Best of 2021 – Metro Silicon Valley | Silicon Valley’s Leading Weekly

Romance

Rob Chalhoub — Wed, 15 Dec 2021 18:42:00 +0000

Best Boudoir/Modern Lingerie Shop

Cupid’s Corner
408 Blossom Hill Rd, San Jose, CA 95123

Secrets Boutique
1818 W San Carlos St, San Jose, CA 95128

Hustler Hollywood
2210 Business Circle, San Jose, CA 95128

Best Boutique Hotel

Hotel De Anza
233 W Santa Clara St, San Jose, CA 95113

Rosewood Sand Hill
2825 Sand Hill Rd, Menlo Park, CA 94025

Hotel Valencia
355 Santana Row, San Jose, CA 95128

Best Bridal Shop

Elegant Lace Bridal
1061 Blossom Hill Rd, San Jose, CA 95123

Just My Size
2375 S Bascom Ave, Campbell, CA 95008

Bride and Bustle
40 N Santa Cruz Ave, Suite D, Los Gatos, CA 95030

Best Erotica Store

Hustler Hollywood
2210 Business Circle, San Jose, CA 95128

Adam & Eve
1565 S Winchester Blvd, Campbell, CA 95008

Lover’s Outlet
8660 San Ysidro Ave, Suite 100, Gilroy, CA 95020

Best Gentleman’s Club

Spearmint Rhino Gentlemen’s Club
81 W Santa Clara St, San Jose, CA 95113

The Pink Poodle
328 S Bascom Ave, San Jose, CA 95128

Cheetahs Gentleman’s Club
907 E Arques Ave, Sunnyvale, CA 94085

Best Romantic Dinner

Mt. Hamilton GrandView
15005 Mt Hamilton Rd, San Jose, CA 95140

Dry Creek Grill
1580 Hamilton Ave, San Jose, CA 95125

Forbes Mill Steakhouse
206 N Santa Cruz Ave, Los Gatos, CA 95030

Best Staycation

Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay
1 Miramontes Point Rd, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019

Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley
2050 University Ave, East Palo Alto, CA 94303

Grand Bay Hotel San Francisco
223 Twin Dolphin Dr, Redwood City, CA 94065

Best Wedding Caterer

Parsley Sage Rosemary & Thyme
psrt.com

Napkin Ring
napkinring.com

Handheld Catering
handheldcatering.com

Best Wedding Reception Venue

Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay
1 Miramontes Point Rd, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019

Montalvo Arts Center
15400 Montalvo Rd, Saratoga, CA 95071

San Jose Woman’s Club
75 S 11th St, San Jose, CA 95112

Best Wedding Venue

Hayes Mansion
200 Edenvale Ave, San Jose, CA 95136

Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay
1 Miramontes Point Rd, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019

Nestldown
22420 Old Santa Cruz Highway, Los Gatos, CA 95033

Recreation

Rob Chalhoub — Wed, 15 Dec 2021 18:40:00 +0000

Best Bike Route/Trail

Los Gatos Creek Trail

Coyote Creek Trail

Almaden Quicksilver County Park

Best Gym

FNS Training Center
2342 Walsh Ave, Santa Clara, CA 95051

Addison-Penzak JCC Los Gatos
14855 Oka Road, Suite 201, Los Gatos, CA 95032

South Valley Family YMCA
5632 Santa Teresa Blvd, San Jose, CA 95123

Best Hiking Trail

Los Gatos Creek Trail

Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail

Castle Rock State Park

Best Outdoor Gear

REI
400 El Paseo de Saratoga, San Jose, CA 95130
130 E El Camino Real, Sunnyvale, CA 94087

Sports Basement
1875 S Bascom Ave, Suite 240, Campbell, CA 95008
1177 Kern Ave, Sunnyvale, CA 94085

Stevens Creek Surplus
3449 Stevens Creek Blvd, San Jose, CA 95117

Best Park

Vasona Lake County Park
333 Blossom Hill Rd, Los Gatos, CA 95032

Rancho San Antonio County Park & Open Space Preserve
22500 Cristo Rey Dr, Los Altos, CA 94024

Almaden Quicksilver County Park
21785 Almaden Rd, San Jose, CA 95120

Best Skate Shop

Circle-A Skateboards
108 Paseo de San Antonio, San Jose, CA 95113

SkateWorks
379 State St, Los Altos, CA 94024

Skatevirus Skateshop
565 Tully Rd, San Jose, CA 95111

Best Swimming Pool

Santa Clara Swim Club
2625 Patricia Dr, Santa Clara, CA 95051

Almaden Valley Athletic Club
5400 Camden Ave, San Jose, CA 95124

Spartan Recreation and Aquatic Center
324 Paseo de San Carlos, San Jose, CA 95192

Food & Drink

Rob Chalhoub — Wed, 15 Dec 2021 18:33:00 +0000

Best Bagel Shop

House of Bagels
505 E San Carlos St, San Jose, CA 95112

Main Street Bagels
838 Blossom Hill Rd San Jose, CA 95123

Posh Bagel
Multiple locations

Best Bartender

Rachel Warner, The Caravan Lounge

Amanda Cunningham, Woodhams Sports Lounge

Patrick Braga, Paper Plane

Best BBQ

Smoking Pig BBQ
1144 N 4th St, San Jose, CA 95112
530 Newhall Dr, San Jose, CA 95110

Henry’s World Famous Hi-Life
301 W St John St, San Jose, CA 95110

South Winchester BBQ
1362 S Winchester Blvd, San Jose, CA 95128

Best Beer Label

Hapa’s Brewing Company
460 Lincoln Ave, Suite 90, San Jose, CA 95126
114 S Santa Cruz Ave, Los Gatos, CA 95032

Gordon Biersch Brewing Company
357 E Taylor St, San Jose, CA 95112

Strike Brewing Co.
2099 S 10th St, Unit 30, San Jose, CA 95112
469 E Campbell Ave, Campbell, CA 95008

Best Beer Selection

Yard House
300 Santana Row, Suite 101, San Jose, CA 95128

Original Gravity Public House
66 S 1st St, San Jose, CA 95113

Taplands
1171 Homestead Rd, Santa Clara, CA 95050

Best British Pub

Britannia Arms
5027 Almaden Expy, San Jose, CA 95124
1087 S De Anza Blvd, San Jose, CA 95129

The Brit
173 W Santa Clara St, San Jose, CA 95113

Trials Pub
265 N 1st St, San Jose, CA 95113

Best Burger

Kirk’s Steakburgers
2388 S Bascom Ave, Campbell, CA 95008
855 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA 94301

The Counter
2580 W El Camino Real, Mountain View, CA 94040
20080 Stevens Creek Blvd, Cupertino, CA 95014
3055 Olin Ave, Suite 1035, San Jose, CA 95128

Original Joe’s
301 S 1st St, San Jose, CA 95113

Best Butcher Shop

Zanotto’s Market
Locations in San Jose and Sunnyvale

Los Gatos Meats & Smokehouse
575 University Ave, Los Gatos, CA 95032

Lunardi’s Market
Locations in Los Gatos and San Jose

Best Cajun Restaurant

Poor House Bistro
91 Autumn St, San Jose, CA 95110

The Bywater
532 N Santa Cruz Ave, Los Gatos, CA 95030

NOLA Restaurant and Bar
535 Ramona St, Palo Alto, CA 94301

Best Caterer

Smoking Pig BBQ
1144 N 4th St, San Jose, CA 95112
530 Newhall Dr, San Jose, CA 95110

Gunther’s Restaurant & Catering
1601 Meridian Ave San Jose, CA 95125

Zanotto’s Family Market
Locations in San Jose and Sunnyvale

Best Chef

Jeff Stout, Orchard City Kitchen

David Costa, Adega

Daniel Herrera, Mt. Hamilton GrandView

Best Cider

Cider Junction
820 Willow St, San Jose, CA 95125

Redwood Coast Cider
821 Cherry Ln, San Carlos, CA 94070

South City Ciderworks
Available in various retail locations in the South Bay

Best Craft Beer Selection

Out of the Barrel
1875 S. Bascom Ave, Suite 560, Campbell, CA 95008
201 Los Gatos Saratoga Rd, Los Gatos, CA 95030

Original Gravity Public House
66 S 1st St, San Jose, CA 95113

Taplands
1171 Homestead Rd, Santa Clara, CA 95050

Best Craft Brewer

Hapa’s Brewing Company
460 Lincoln Ave, Suite 90, San Jose, CA 95126
114 S Santa Cruz Ave, Los Gatos, CA 95032

Strike Brewing Co.
2099 S 10th St, Unit 30, San Jose, CA 95112
469 E Campbell Ave, Campbell, CA 95008

Hermitage Brewing Company
1627 S 7th St, San Jose, CA 95112

Best Craft Canned Beer

Strike Brewing Co.
2099 S 10th St, Unit 30, San Jose, CA 95112
469 E Campbell Ave, Campbell, CA 95008

Barebottle Brewing Company
2520 Augustine Dr, Santa Clara, CA 95054

Narrative Fermentations
101 E Alma Ave, San Jose, CA 95112

Best Craft Cocktails

Paper Plane
72 S 1st St, San Jose, CA 95113

Haberdasher
43 W San Salvador St, San Jose, CA 95113

Los Gatos Soda Works
21 College Ave, Los Gatos, CA 95030

Best Cuban/Caribbean

Back A Yard Caribbean Grill
Locations in Campbell, San Jose and Menlo Park

Habana Cuba Restaurant
387 S 1st St, Suite 109, San Jose, CA 95113

La Bodeguita Del Medio
463 S California Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94306

Best Desserts

Icing on the Cake
50 W Main St, Los Gatos, CA 95030

Peters Bakery
3108 Alum Rock Ave, San Jose, CA 95127

Alexander’s Patisserie
209 Castro St, Mountain View, CA 94041
19379 Stevens Creek Blvd, Suite 100, Cupertino, CA 95014

Best Diner

Bill’s Cafe
Multiple locations

Holder’s Country Inn
Three locations in San Jose

Los Gatos Cafe
340 N Santa Cruz Ave, Los Gatos, CA 95030

Best Dining After 10pm

Original Joe’s
301 S 1st St, San Jose, CA 95113

La Victoria Taqueria
131 W Santa Clara St, San Jose, CA 95113

Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar
19359 Stevens Creek Blvd, Cupertino, CA 95014

Best Dining Value

Aqui
Locations in Campbell, Cupertino, San Jose and Willow Glen

Original Joe’s
301 S 1st St, San Jose, CA 95113

BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse
Locations in Cupertino, Fremont and San Jose

Best Distillery

10th Street Distillery
2131 S 10th St, San Jose, CA 95112

South Bay Spirits
695 Quinn Ave, Suite 2, San Jose, CA 95112

Essential Spirits Alambic Distillery
144B S Whisman Rd, Mountain View, CA 94041

Best Donuts

Stan’s Donut Shop
2628 Homestead Rd, Santa Clara, CA 95051

Psycho Donuts
2006 S Winchester Blvd, Campbell, CA 95008

Manley’s Donut Shop
Locations in Cupertino and San Jose

Best Ethnic Market

Chavez Supermarket
Multiple locations

Mitsuwa Marketplace
675 Saratoga Ave, San Jose, CA 95129

International Food Bazaar
2052 Curtner Ave, San Jose, CA 95124

Best Family Restaurant

Old Spaghetti Factory
51 N San Pedro St, San Jose, CA 95110

Giorgio’s Italian Food & Pizzeria
Locations in Milpitas, Morgan Hill and San Jose

LUNA Mexican Kitchen
1495 The Alameda, San Jose, CA 95126
1875 S Bascom Ave, Campbell, CA 95008

Best Filipino

Tapsilog Bistro
819 W Hamilton Ave, Campbell, CA 95008

Tapsilog Cantina
1998 Homestead Rd, Santa Clara, CA 95050

Mabuhay Grill
888 E Capitol Ave, Milpitas, Santa Clara, CA 95035

Best Food Truck

Sam’s Chowdermobile

Tacomania

Chick N’ Bros

Best Fried Chicken

Starbird Chicken
Locations in Campbell, San Jose and Sunnyvale

Bonchon
1375 Blossom Hill Rd, Suite 66, San Jose, CA 95118

Poor House Bistro
91 Autumn St, San Jose, CA 95110

Best Fried Chicken Sandwich

Starbird Chicken
Locations in Campbell, San Jose and Sunnyvale

Poor House Bistro
91 Autumn St, San Jose, CA 95110

Scratch
Campbell and San Jose: 408.601.0396

Best Frozen Yogurt/Ice Cream

Willow Glen Creamery
1100 Lincoln Ave, Suite 130, San Jose, CA 95125

Salt & Straw
250 University Ave, Suite 110, Palo Alto, CA 94301

Yogurtland
Multiple locations

Best German Restaurant

Teske’s Germania
255 N 1st St, San Jose, CA 95113

Naschmarkt Restaurant
384 E Campbell Ave, Campbell, CA 95008

Ludwig’s Biergarten
261 N 2nd St, San Jose, CA 95112
383 Castro St, Mountain View, CA 94041

Best Gluten-Free Menu Option

LB Steak
334 Santana Row, Suite 1000, San Jose, CA 95128

Crepes Bistro
57 Washington St, Santa Clara, CA 95050

Scratch
Campbell and San Jose: 408.601.0396

Best Greek

Opa!
Locations in Campbell, Morgan Hill, Santa Clara and Willow Glen

Falafel’s Drive In
2301 Stevens Creek Blvd, San Jose, CA 95128

Nick The Greek
Multiple locations

Best Happy Hour

Orchard City Kitchen
1875 S Bascom Ave, Suite 190, Campbell, CA 95008

Sushi Confidential
247 E Campbell Ave, Campbell, CA 95008
26 N San Pedro St, San Jose, CA 95113

Woodhams Sports Lounge
4475 Stevens Creek Blvd, Santa Clara, CA 95051

Best Hawaiian

Hukilau
230 Jackson St, San Jose, CA 95112

J&J Hawaiian BBQ
1170 Alma St, Menlo Park, CA 94025

Hawaiian BBQ
6233 Santa Teresa Blvd, San Jose, CA 95119

Best Hot Dog

Happy Hound
15899 Los Gatos Blvd, Los Gatos, CA 95032

Mark’s Hot Dogs
48 S Capitol Ave, San Jose, CA 95127

Umai Savory Hot Dogs
1158 N Capitol Ave, San Jose, CA 95133

Best Hotel or Restaurant Bar

The Grill on the Alley
172 S Market St, San Jose, CA 95113

Hedley Club, Hotel De Anza
233 W Santa Clara St, San Jose, CA 95113

Dio Deka, Hotel Los Gatos
210 E Main St, Los Gatos, CA 95030

Best Korean

Omogari
154 Jackson St, San Jose, CA 95112

Korean Palace
2297 Stevens Creek Blvd, San Jose, CA 95128

Gen Korean BBQ
Locations in Fremont, Mountain View and San Jose

Best Latin American

LUNA Mexican Kitchen
1495 The Alameda, San Jose, CA 95126
1875 S Bascom Ave, Campbell, CA 95008

Adelita’s Taqueria and Bar
1896 Curtner Ave, San Jose, CA 95124

Zona Rosa
1411 The Alameda, San Jose, CA 95126
81 W Main St, Los Gatos, CA 95030

Best LGBTQ Bar

Splash
65 Post St, San Jose, CA 95113

Mac’s Club
39 Post St, San Jose, CA 95113

Renegades
501 W Taylor St, San Jose, CA 95110

Best Local Coffee Roaster

Chromatic Coffee Co.
460 Lincoln Ave, Suite 10, San Jose, CA 95126

Los Gatos Coffee Roasting Company
101 W Main St, Los Gatos, CA 95030

Academic Coffee
499 S 2nd St, San Jose, CA 95113

Best Local Winery

Testarossa Winery
300 College Ave, Los Gatos, CA 95030

J Lohr Vineyards & Wines
1000 Lenzen Ave, San Jose, CA 95126

Ridge Vineyards
17100 Montebello Rd, Cupertino, CA 95014

Best Lunch Value

Aqui
Locations in Campbell, Cupertino, San Jose and Willow Glen

Bill’s Cafe
Multiple locations

Zanotto’s Family Market
Locations in San Jose and Sunnyvale

Best Margarita

Aqui
Locations in Campbell, Cupertino, San Jose and Willow Glen

LUNA Mexican Kitchen
1495 The Alameda, San Jose, CA 95126
1875 S Bascom Ave, Campbell, CA 95008

El Jardin Tequila Bar
368 Santana Row, Suite 1050, San Jose, CA 95128

Best Mediterranean

Nick The Greek
Multiple locations

Dio Deka
210 E Main St, Los Gatos, CA 95030

House of Falafel
19590 Stevens Creek Blvd, Cupertino, CA 95014

Best Irish Pub

O’Flaherty’s Irish Pub
25 N San Pedro St, San Jose, CA 95110

Rosie McCann’s
355 Santana Row, Suite 1060, San Jose, CA 95128

Katie Bloom’s Irish Pub
369 E Campbell Ave, Campbell, CA 95008

Best Micro Distillery

10th Street Distillery
2131 S 10th St, San Jose, CA 95112

South Bay Spirits
695 Quinn Ave, Suite 2, San Jose, CA 95112

Venus Spirits
200 High Rd, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Best Microbrew

Hapa’s Brewing Company
460 Lincoln Ave, Suite 90, San Jose, CA 95126

Narrative Fermentations
101 E Alma Ave, San Jose, CA 95112

Faultline Brewing Company
1235 Oakmead Pkwy, Sunnyvale, CA 94085

Best Middle Eastern

Falafel’s Drive In
2301 Stevens Creek Blvd, San Jose, CA 95128

Dish n’ Dash
Locations in Cupertino, Fremont, Milpitas, San Jose and Sunnyvale

Oren’s Hummus
Locations in Cupertino, Los Gatos, Mountain View and Palo Alto

Best New Restaurant

LUNA Mexican Kitchen, The Pruneyard
1875 S Bascom Ave, Campbell, CA 95008

Be.Steak.A.
1887 S Bascom Ave, Campbell, CA 95008

Good Spot
386 S 1st St, San Jose, CA 95113

Best Outdoor Dining

LUNA Mexican Kitchen
1495 The Alameda, San Jose, CA 95126
1875 S Bascom Ave, Campbell, CA 95008

Poor House Bistro
91 Autumn St, San Jose, CA 95110

Palermo
791 Auzerais Ave, San Jose, CA 95126

Best Patio

San Pedro Square Market
87 N San Pedro St, San Jose, CA 95110

LUNA Mexican Kitchen
1495 The Alameda, San Jose, CA 95126
1875 S Bascom Ave, Campbell, CA 95008

Poor House Bistro
91 Autumn St, San Jose, CA 95110

Best Pearl Teas

7 Leaves Cafe
1743 Berryessa Rd, San Jose, CA 95131
375 Saratoga Ave, San Jose, CA 95129
30 E Hamilton Ave, Campbell, CA 95008

Boba Guys
855 El Camino Real, Suite 120, Palo Alto, CA 94301
201 1st St, Los Altos, CA 94022
378 Santana Row, Suite 1115, San Jose, CA 95128

Boba Bar
310 S 3rd St, San Jose, CA 95112

Best Pho

House of Pho
1066 E El Camino Real, Sunnyvale, CA 94087
1852 Camden Ave, San Jose, CA 95124
5353 Almaden Expy, Suite 50, San Jose, CA 95118

Pho Ha Noi
969 Story Rd, Suite 6048, San Jose, CA 95122
10100 S De Anza Blvd, Cupertino, CA 95014

Pho Y #1 Noodle House
1660 E Capitol Expy, San Jose, CA 95121

Best Pizza

A Slice of New York
3443 Stevens Creek Blvd, San Jose, CA 95117
1253 W El Camino Real, Sunnyvale, CA 94087

Pizza My Heart
Multiple locations

Jake’s of WIllow Glen
1074 Lincoln Ave, San Jose, CA 95125

Best Poke

Poke House
Multiple locations

Hawaiian Poke Bowl
SoFa Market, 387 S 1st St, San Jose, CA 95113

Aloha Fresh
225 Jackson St, San Jose, CA 95112

Best Portuguese

Adega
1614 Alum Rock Ave, San Jose, CA 95116

Bacalhau Grill
1555 Alum Rock Ave, San Jose, CA 95116

Petiscos
399 S 1st St, San Jose, CA 95113

Best Pre-Sharks Game Spot

Henry’s World Famous Hi-Life
301 W St John St, San Jose, CA 95110

Poor House Bistro
91 Autumn St, San Jose, CA 95110

The Brit
173 W Santa Clara St, San Jose, CA 95113

Best Ramen

Orenchi Ramen
3540 Homestead Rd, Santa Clara, CA 95051

Ramen Nagi
541 Bryant St, Palo Alto, CA 94301
2855 Stevens Creek Blvd, Santa Clara, CA 95050

Kumako Ramen
211 Jackson St, San Jose, CA 95112
487 Saratoga Ave, San Jose, CA 95129

Best Restaurant

Orchard City Kitchen
1875 S Bascom Ave, Suite 190, Campbell, CA 95008

Manresa
320 Village Ln, Los Gatos, CA 95030

Alexander’s Steakhouse
19379 Stevens Creek Blvd, Cupertino, CA 95014

Best Restaurant with a View

Mt. Hamilton GrandView
15005 Mt Hamilton Rd, San Jose, CA 95140

Scott’s Seafood
200 S 1st St, Suite 10, San Jose, CA 95113

Silicon Valley Capital Club
50 W San Fernando St, San Jose, CA 95113

Best Salads

Starbird Chicken
Locations in Campbell, San Jose and Sunnyvale

sweetgreen
Locations in Mountain View, Palo Alto and Sunnyvale

Sticks n’ Greens
387 S 1st St, Suite 117, San Jose, CA 95113

Best Sandwich Shop

Ike’s Love & Sandwiches
Locations in Cupertino, Mountain View, Palo Alto, San Jose, Santa Clara and Sunnyvale

Zanotto’s Family Market
Locations in San Jose and Sunnyvale

Bertucelli’s La Villa Gourmet
1319 Lincoln Ave, San Jose, CA 95125

Best Seafood

The Fish Market
3150 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA 94306
3775 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, CA 95051

Scott’s Seafood
200 S 1st St, Suite 10, San Jose, CA 95113

Pacific Catch
Locations in Campbell, Cupertino, Mountain View, Palo Alto and San Jose

Best Small Restaurant

Henry’s World Famous Hi-Life
301 W St John St, San Jose, CA 95110

Brown Chicken Brown Cow
397 E Campbell Ave, Campbell, CA 95008

Braise
1185 Lincoln Ave, San Jose, CA 95125

Best Southern Food

Poor House Bistro
91 Autumn St, San Jose, CA 95110

Jackie’s Place
840 N 1st St, San Jose, CA 95112

Southern Kitchen
27 E Main St, Los Gatos, CA 95030

Best Sports Bar

Britannia Arms
5027 Almaden Expy, San Jose, CA 95124
1087 S De Anza Blvd, San Jose, CA 95129

Double D’s Sports Grille
354 N Santa Cruz Ave, Los Gatos, CA 95030

Rookies Sports Lodge
99 S 1st St, San Jose, CA 95113
1535 Meridian Ave, San Jose, CA 95125

Best Steakhouse

Alexander’s Steakhouse
19379 Stevens Creek Blvd, Cupertino, CA 95014

Forbes Mill Steakhouse
206 N Santa Cruz Ave, Los Gatos, CA 95030

Morton’s The Steakhouse
170 S Market St, San Jose, CA 95113

Best Tea Shop/Cafe

Lisa’s Tea Treasures
2305 S Winchester Blvd, Suite 110, Campbell, CA 95008
167 Main St, Los Altos, CA 94022

7 Leaves Cafe
1743 Berryessa Rd, San Jose, CA 95131
375 Saratoga Ave, San Jose, CA 95129
330 E Hamilton Ave Campbell, CA 95008

TeaLeaf
1275 1st St, Gilroy, CA 95020

Best Vegan Menu

Good Karma Artisan Ales & Cafe
37 S 1st St, San Jose, CA 95113

Vegetarian House
520 E Santa Clara St, San Jose, CA 95112

Happy Hooligans
1686 Lafayette St, Santa Clara, CA 95050
1711 Branham Ln, Suite A9, San Jose, CA 95118

Best Vegetarian

Oren’s Hummus
Locations in Cupertino, Los Gatos, Mountain View and Palo Alto

Craft Roots
17230 Monterey Rd, Morgan Hill, CA 95037

Good Karma Artisan Ales & Cafe
37 S 1st St, San Jose, CA 95113

Best Vietnamese

King Eggroll
Multiple locations

Vung Tau
535 E Santa Clara St, San Jose, CA 95112
1750 N Milpitas Blvd, Milpitas, CA 95035

Vietnoms
SoFA Market, 387 S 1st St, Suite 121, San Jose, CA 9511
Westfield Valley Fair, 2855 Stevens Creek Blvd, Suite B327, Santa Clara, CA 95050

Best Wine & Food Experience

Le Papillon
410 Saratoga Ave, San Jose, CA 95129

Left Bank Brasserie
377 Santana Row, Suite 1100, San Jose, CA 95128

LB Steak
334 Santana Row, Suite 1000, San Jose, CA 95128

Best Wine Club

Enoteca La Storia
416 N Santa Cruz Ave, Los Gatos, CA 95030
320 W St John St, San Jose, CA 95110

Tessora’s Barra di Vino
234 E. Campbell Ave, Campbell, CA 95008

Picchetti Winery
13100 Montebello Rd, Cupertino, CA 95014

Best Wine Label

Testarossa Winery
300 College Ave, Los Gatos, CA 95030

Ridge Vineyards
17100 Montebello Rd, Cupertino, CA 95014

Picchetti Winery
13100 Montebello Rd, Cupertino, CA 95014

Best Wine List

Plumed Horse
14555 Big Basin Way, Saratoga, CA 95070

Manresa
320 Village Ln, Los Gatos, CA 95030

LB Steak
334 Santana Row, Suite 1000, San Jose, CA 95128

Best Wine Tasting Room

Testarossa WInery
300 College Ave, Los Gatos, CA 95030

Ridge Vineyards
17100 Montebello Rd, Cupertino, CA 95014

Clos LaChance Winery
1 Hummingbird Ln, San Martin, CA 95046

San Jose/South County

Includes Gilroy, Morgan Hill and San Martin

Best American Restaurant

Original Joe’s
301 S 1st St, San Jose, CA 95113

Henry’s World Famous Hi-Life
301 W St John St, San Jose, CA 95110

Dry Creek Grill
1580 Hamilton Ave, San Jose, CA 95125

Best Bakery

Peters Bakery
3108 Alum Rock Ave, San Jose, CA 95127

Greenlee’s Bakery
1081 The Alameda, San Jose, CA 95126

Flour Flower
896 Willow St, San Jose, CA 95125

Best Bar

Paper Plane
72 S 1st St, San Jose, CA 95113

Jack’s Bar
167 E Taylor St, San Jose, CA 95112

Haberdasher
43 W San Salvador St, San Jose, CA 95113

Best Breakfast

The Breakfast Club
1432 W San Carlos St, Suite 80, San Jose, CA 95126

Scrambl’z
5055 Almaden Expy, San Jose, CA 95118

The Table
1110 Willow St, San Jose, CA 95125

Best Brunch

Bill’s Cafe
Multiple locations

The Table
1110 Willow St, San Jose, CA 95125

The Breakfast Club
1432 W San Carlos St, Suite 80, San Jose, CA 95126

Best Burrito

Super Taqueria
Multiple locations

La Victoria Taqueria
131 W Santa Clara St, San Jose, CA 95113

Adelita’s Taqueria and Bar
1896 Curtner Ave, San Jose, CA 95124

Best Business Lunch

Original Joe’s
301 S 1st St, San Jose, CA 95113

Maggiano’s Little Italy
3055 Olin Ave, Suite 1000, San Jose, CA 95128

Left Bank Brasserie
377 Santana Row, Suite 1100, San Jose, CA 95128

Best Cafe/Coffeehouse

Roy’s Station Coffee & Tea
197 Jackson St, San Jose, CA 95112

Chromatic Coffee Co.
460 Lincoln Ave, Suite 10, San Jose, CA 95126

Nirvana Soul
315 S 1st St, San Jose, CA 95113

Best Chinese

Taiwan Restaurant
1306 Lincoln Ave, San Jose, CA 95125

Mandarin Gourmet
5560 Santa Teresa Blvd, San Jose, CA 95123

King Eggroll
Multiple locations

Best Cocktails

Orchard City Kitchen
1875 S Bascom Ave, Suite 190, Campbell, CA 95008

Paper Plane
72 S 1st St, San Jose, CA 95113

Haberdasher
43 W San Salvador St, San Jose, CA 95113

Best Farmers Market

Cambrian Park Farmers’ Market

Willow Glen Farmers’ Market

Japantown Farmer’s Market

Best Independent Coffeehouse

Roy’s Station Coffee & Tea
197 Jackson St, San Jose, CA 95112

Chromatic Coffee
460 Lincoln Ave, Suite 10, San Jose, CA 95126

Nirvana Soul
315 S 1st St, San Jose, CA 95113

Best Dive Bar

The Caravan Lounge
98 Almaden Ave, San Jose, CA 95113

Henry’s World Famous Hi-Life
301 W St John St, San Jose, CA 95110

Jack’s Bar
167 E Taylor St, San Jose, CA 95112

Best Indian

Amber India
377 Santana Row, San Jose, CA 95128

Punjab Cafe
322 E Santa Clara St, San Jose, CA 95113

Curry On
241 E Santa Clara St, San Jose, CA 95113

Best Italian Restaurant

Original Joe’s
301 S 1st St, San Jose, CA 95113

Giorgio’s Italian Food & Pizzeria
Locations in Milpitas, Morgan Hill and San Jose

Il Fornaio
302 S Market St, San Jose, CA 95113

Best Japanese

Sushi Confidential
26 N San Pedro St, San Jose, CA 95113

Yuki Sushi
1140 Lincoln Ave, Suite 8, San Jose, CA 95125

Minato Japanese Restaurant
617 N 6th St, San Jose, CA 95112

Best Mexican

LUNA Mexican Kitchen
1495 The Alameda, San Jose, CA 95126
1875 S Bascom Ave, Campbell, CA 95008

Zona Rosa
1411 The Alameda, San Jose, CA 95126

Adelita’s Taqueria and Bar
1896 Curtner Ave, San Jose, CA 95124

Best Taqueria

La Victoria Taqueria
131 W Santa Clara St, San Jose, CA 95113

Adelita’s Taqueria and Bar
1896 Curtner Ave, San Jose, CA 95124

Taqueria Tlaquepaque
721 Willow St, San Jose, CA 95125

Best Thai

Krungthai
642 S Winchester Blvd, San Jose, CA 95128

Tee Nee Thai
1423 The Alameda, San Jose, CA 95126

Thai Spice
1102 Bird Ave, San Jose, CA 95125

Best Wine Shop

Total Wine and More
5140 Cherry Ave, Suite 30, San Jose, CA 95118

Joseph George Wines
1559 Meridian Ave, San Jose, CA 95125

Enoteca La Storia
320 W St John St, San Jose, CA 95110

San Jose/West Valley

Includes Los Gatos, Saratoga, Monte Sereno and Campbell

Best American Restaurant

Orchard City Kitchen
1875 S Bascom Ave, Suite 190, Campbell, CA 95008

Forbes Mill Steakhouse
206 N Santa Cruz Ave, Los Gatos, CA 95030

Los Gatos Cafe
340 N Santa Cruz Ave, Los Gatos, CA 95030

Best Bakery

Icing on the Cake
50 W Main St, Los Gatos, CA 95030

Manresa Bread
Locations in Campbell, Los Altos, Los Gatos and (coming soon) Palo Alto

Bijan Bakery & Cafe
170 S Market St, Suite 110, San Jose, CA 95113
441 Saratoga Ave, San Jose, CA 95129

Best Bar

The Vesper
394 E Campbell Ave, Campbell, CA 95008

Katie Bloom’s
369 E Campbell Ave, Campbell, CA 95008

Khartoum
300 Orchard City Dr, Campbell, CA 95008

Best Breakfast

Bill’s Cafe
Multiple locations

Los Gatos Cafe
340 N Santa Cruz Ave, Los Gatos, CA 95030

Hash House
851 W Hamilton Ave, Campbell, CA 95008

Best Brunch

Orchard City Kitchen
1875 S Bascom Ave, Suite 190, Campbell, CA 95008

Southern Kitchen
27 E Main St, Los Gatos, CA 95030

Hash House
851 W Hamilton Ave, Campbell, CA 95008

Best Burrito

Aqui
Locations in Campbell, Cupertino, San Jose and Willow Glen

Andalé Mexican Kitchen
21 N Santa Cruz Ave, Los Gatos, CA 95030

Taqueria Los Pericos
1581 W Campbell Ave, Suite A, Campbell, CA 9500

Best Business Lunch

Aqui
Locations in Campbell, Cupertino, San Jose and Willow Glen

Steamer’s Grillhouse
31 University Ave, Los Gatos, CA 95030

Capers Eat & Drink
1710 W Campbell Ave, Campbell, CA 95008

Best Cafe/Coffeehouse

Los Gatos Coffee Roasting
101 W Main St, Los Gatos, CA 95030

Barefoot Coffee
1819 S Bascom Ave, Campbell, CA 95008

Great Bear Coffee
19 N Santa Cruz Ave, Los Gatos, CA 95030

Best Chinese

Blue Sky
2028 Winchester Blvd, Campbell, CA 95008

Tsing Tao
104 N San Tomas Aquino Rd, Campbell, CA 95008

Yeung Shing
14107 Winchester Blvd, Suite S, Los Gatos, CA 95032

Best Cocktails

Cedar Room
1875 S Bascom Ave, Suite 105, Campbell, CA 95008

Los Gatos Soda Works
21 College Ave, Los Gatos, CA 95030

Sidecar Modern Tavern
25 E Main St, Los Gatos, CA 95030

Best Farmers Market

Campbell Farmers’ Market

Los Gatos Farmers’ Market

Saratoga Farmers’ Market

Best Independent Coffeehouse

Los Gatos Coffee Roasting Co
101 W Main St, Los Gatos, CA 95030

Great Bear Coffee
19 N Santa Cruz Ave, Los Gatos, CA 95030

Orchard Valley Coffee
349 E Campbell Ave, Campbell, CA 95008

Best Dive Bar

Black Watch
141 N Santa Cruz Ave, Los Gatos, CA 95030

Cardiff Lounge
260 E Campbell Ave, Campbell, CA 95008

Khartoum
300 Orchard City Dr, Campbell, CA 95008

Best Indian

Royal Taj
1350 Camden Ave, Campbell, CA 95008

Namaste Indian Cuisine
35 E Main St, Los Gatos, CA 95030

desi
501 E Campbell Ave, Campbell, CA 95008

Best Italian Restaurant

Aldo’s Ristorante & Bar
14109 Winchester Blvd, Los Gatos, CA 95032

Buca di Beppo
1875 S Bascom Ave, Campbell, CA 95008

A Bellagio
33 S Central Ave, Campbell, CA 95008

Best Japanese

Kyoto Palace Japanese Steakhouse
1875 S Bascom Ave, Suite 2500, Campbell, CA 95008

Sushi Zono
831 W Hamilton Ave, Campbell, CA 95008

Best Mexican

LUNA Mexican Kitchen
1495 The Alameda, San Jose, CA 95126
1875 S Bascom Ave, Campbell, CA 95008

Casa Lupe
2165 Winchester Blvd, Campbell, CA 95008

Aqui
Locations in Campbell, Cupertino, San Jose and Willow Glen

Best Taqueria

Andalé Mexican Kitchen Taqueria
21 N Santa Cruz Ave, Los Gatos, CA 95030

Orale Baja
1750 Winchester Blvd Campbell, CA 95008

Best Thai

Thai Orchid
866 E Campbell Ave, Campbell, CA 95008

Thai Spice
337 N Santa Cruz Ave, Los Gatos, CA 95030

Mint Leaf Cuisine
14420 Big Basin Way, Saratoga, CA 95070

Best Wine Shop

Tessora’s Barra di Vino
234 E. Campbell Ave, Campbell, CA 95008

Enoteca Direct
534 N Santa Cruz Ave, Los Gatos, CA 95030

Central Silicon Valley

Best American Restaurant

Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar
19359 Stevens Creek Blvd, Cupertino, CA 95014

St. John’s Bar & Grill
510 Lawrence Expy, Sunnyvale, CA 94085

Hobee’s
800 W Ahwanee Ave, Sunnyvale, CA 94086

Best Bakery

La Patisserie
19758 Stevens Creek Blvd, Cupertino, CA 95014

Sugar Butter Flour
669 S Bernardo Ave, Sunnyvale, CA 94087

Copenhagen Crown Bakery
2079 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, CA 95050

Best Bar

BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse
10690 N De Anza Blvd, Cupertino, CA 95014

Woodhams Sports Lounge
4475 Stevens Creek Blvd, Santa Clara, CA 95051

Normandy House Lounge
30 Washington St, Santa Clara, CA 95050

Best Breakfast

Country Gourmet
1314 S Mary Ave, Sunnyvale, CA 94087

Sara’s Kitchen
1595 Franklin St, Santa Clara, CA 95050

Best Brunch

The Oxford Kitchen & Gastropub
195 S Murphy Ave, Sunnyvale, CA 94086

Bloom
202 Saratoga Ave, Santa Clara, CA 95050

Best Burrito

Iguanas Burritozilla
4300 Great America Pkwy, Santa Clara, CA 95054

Lupita’s Taqueria
2341 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, CA 95050

Ruby’s Taqueria
821 Borregas Ave, Sunnyvale, CA 94085

Best Business Lunch

Alexander’s Steakhouse
19379 Stevens Creek Blvd, Cupertino, CA 95014

Birk’s
3955 Freedom Cir, Santa Clara, CA 95054

Dish n’ Dash
Locations in Cupertino, Fremont, Milpitas, San Jose and Sunnyvale

Best Cafe/Coffeehouse

Sara’s Kitchen
1595 Franklin St, Santa Clara, CA 95050

1oz Coffee
3051 Tasman Dr, Santa Clara, CA 95054

Best Chinese

Saigon Seafood Harbor
1135 Lawrence Expy, Sunnyvale, CA 94089

Epic Dumpling
673 Grape Ave, Sunnyvale, CA 94087

Lock Chun
4495 Stevens Creek Blvd, Santa Clara, CA 95051

Best Cocktails

Five Points
169 W Santa Clara St, San Jose, CA 95113

Woodhams Sports Lounge
4475 Stevens Creek Blvd, Santa Clara, CA 95051

Best Dive Bar

Woodhams Sports Lounge
4475 Stevens Creek Blvd, Santa Clara, CA 95051

Murphy’s Law Irish Pub
135 S Murphy Ave, Sunnyvale, CA 94086

Paul & Eddie’s Monta Vista Inn
21619 Stevens Creek Blvd, Cupertino, CA 95014

Best Farmers Market

Santa Clara Farmers Market

Sunnyvale Farmers Market

Cupertino Farmers Market

Best Independent Coffeehouse

Bean Scene Cafe
186 S Murphy St, Sunnyvale, CA 94086

Caffino
2790 Homestead Rd, Santa Clara, CA 95051

1oz Coffee
3051 Tasman Dr, Santa Clara, CA 95054

Best Indian

Naan & Curry
375 Saratoga Ave, Suite E, San Jose, CA 95129

The Mynt
5210 Prospect Rd San Jose, CA 95129

Madras Cafe
1177 W El Camino Real, Sunnyvale, CA 94087

Best Italian Restaurant

Il Fornaio
2752 Augustine Dr, Suite 120, Santa Clara, CA 95054

Fiorillo’s
638 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, CA 95050

Mio Vicino
1290 Benton St, Santa Clara, CA 95050

Best Japanese

Yuki Sushi
1827 Pruneridge Ave, Santa Clara, CA 95050

Kobe Japanese Restaurant
2086 El Camino Real Santa Clara, CA 95050

Seto
511 Borregas Ave, Sunnyvale, CA 94085

Best Mexican

Casa Lupe
671 S Bernardo Ave, Sunnyvale, CA 94087

La Paloma
2280 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, CA 95050

Lupita’s Taqueria
2341 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, CA 95050

Best Taqueria

Super Taqueria
1195 W El Camino Real, Sunnyvale, CA 94086

Chavez Supermarket & Taqueria
666 N Fairoaks Ave, Sunnyvale, CA 94085

Ruby’s Taqueria
821 Borregas Ave, Sunnyvale, CA 94085

Best Thai

Thai Basil
101 S Murphy Ave, Sunnyvale, CA 94086

Thaibodia Bistro
2200 S Bascom Ave, Campbell, CA 95008

White Elephant Thai Cuisine
930 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, CA 95050

Best Wine Shop

Coach House Wine & Spirits
1655 S De Anza Blvd, Suite 1, Cupertino, CA 95014

Bobby’s Liquor
2327 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, CA 95050

Prestige Wines & Liquors
490 N Mathilda Ave, Sunnyvale, CA 94085

Peninsula

Best American Restaurant

Bill’s Cafe
Multiple locations

Los Altos Grill
233 3rd St, Los Altos, CA 94022

Hobee’s
4224 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA 94306

Best Bakery

Alexander’s Patisserie
209 Castro St, Mountain View, CA 94041

Esther’s German Bakery
987 N San Antonio Rd, Los Altos, CA 94022

Woodside Bakery & Cafe
325 Sharon Park Dr, Menlo Park, CA 94025

Best Breakfast

Bill’s Cafe
Multiple locations

Hobee’s Restaurant
4224 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA 94306

Stacks
600 Santa Cruz Ave, Menlo Park, CA 94025

Best Brunch

Bill’s Cafe
Multiple locations

Stacks
600 Santa Cruz Ave, Menlo Park, CA 94025

Left Bank Brasserie
635 Santa Cruz Ave, Menlo Park, CA 94025

Best Burrito

La Costeña
235 E Middlefield Rd, Suite 1A, Mountain View, CA 94043

Sancho’s Taqueria
491 Lytton Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94301
2723 Middlefield Rd, Palo Alto, CA 94306
3 Estrellita Mexican Bistro
971 N San Antonio Rd, Los Altos, CA 94022

Best Business Lunch

St. John’s Bar & Grill
510 Lawrence Expy, Sunnyvale, CA 94085

Buck’s Restaurant
3062 Woodside Rd, Woodside, CA 94062

Tamarine
546 University Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94301

Best Cafe/Coffeehouse

Red Rock Coffee
201 Castro St, Mountain View, CA 94041

Palo Alto Cafe
2675 Middlefield Rd, Palo Alto, CA 94306

Backyard Brew
444 S California Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94306

Best Chinese

Chef Chu’s
1067 N San Antonio Rd, Los Altos, CA 94022

Fu Lam Mum
153 Castro St, Suite 1, Mountain View, CA 94041

Mandarin Roots
3345 El Camino Real Palo Alto, CA 94306

Best Dive Bar

The Rose & Crown
547 Emerson St, Palo Alto, CA 94301

Dutch Goose
3567 Alameda De Las Pulgas, Menlo Park, CA 94025

Fred’s Place
2534 Old Middlefield Way, Mountain View, CA 94043

Best Farmers Market

Mountain View Farmers’ Market

California Avenue Farmers’ Market

Los Altos Farmers’ Market

Best Independent Coffeehouse

Red Rock Coffee
201 Castro St, Mountain View, CA 94041

Dana Street Roasting Co.
744 W Dana St, Mountain View, CA 94041

Palo Alto Cafe
2675 Middlefield Rd, Palo Alto, CA 94306

Best Indian

Amber India
4926 El Camino Real, Los Altos, CA 94022

Zareen’s Palo Alto
365 S California Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94306

Chaat Paradise
165 E El Camino Real, Mountain View, CA 94040

Best Italian Restaurant

Il Fornaio
Garden Court Hotel, 520 Cowper St, Palo Alto, CA 94301

Buca di Beppo
643 Emerson St, Palo Alto, CA 94301

Doppio Zero
160 Castro St, Mountain View, CA 94041

Best Japanese-Peninsula

Mizu Sushi Bar & Grill
2590 W El Camino Real, Suite 13, Mountain View, CA 94040

Gombei
1438 El Camino Real, Menlo Park, CA 94025

Fuki Sushi
4119 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA 94306

Best Mexican

Casa Lupe
459 Castro St, Mountain View, CA 94041

Fiesta Del Mar Too
735 Villa St, Mountain View, CA 94041

ViVe Sol
2020 W El Camino Real, Mountain View, CA 94040

Best Taqueria

Los Altos Taqueria
2105 Old Middlefield Way, Suite E Mountain View, CA 94043

Sancho’s Taqueria
491 Lytton Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94301
2723 Middlefield Rd, Palo Alto, CA 94306

Jennifer’s Taqueria
1929 Latham St, Mountain View, CA 94040

Best Thai

Siam Royal Authentic Thai
338 University Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94301

Bangkok Bay
825 El Camino Real, Redwood City, CA 94063

Best Wine Shop

K&L Wine Merchants
3005 El Camino Real, Redwood City, CA 94061

Rootstock Wine Bar
331 Castro St, Suite 100, Mountain View, CA 94041

The Bottleshop
2627 Broadway, Redwood City, CA 94063

Fremont and Milpitas

Best American

Black Bear Diner
5035 Mowry Ave, Fremont, CA 94538

Jack’s Brewing Co.
39176 Argonaut Way, Fremont, CA 94538

Mil’s Diner
36 S Abbott Ave, Milpitas, CA 95035

Best Bakery

Nothing Bundt Cakes
39052 Fremont Hub, Fremont, CA 94538

Amia Bakery
39095 Fremont Hub, Fremont, CA 94538

Best Breakfast

Bill’s Cafe
Multiple locations

Mil’s Diner
36 S Abbott Ave, Milpitas, CA 95035

Country Way
5325 Mowry Ave, Fremont, CA 94538

Best Business Lunch

Dish n’ Dash
Locations in Cupertino, Fremont, Milpitas, San Jose and Sunnyvale

Zahir’s Bistro
579 S Main St, Milpitas, CA 95035

Sen Dai Sushi
224 N Abel St, Milpitas, CA 95035

Best Chinese

Mayflower Seafood Restaurant
428 Barber Ln, Milpitas, CA 95035

Ho Chow
47966 Warm Springs Blvd, Fremont, CA 94539

New Yong Kang Seafood Restaurant
40900 Fremont Blvd, Fremont, CA 94538

Best Dive Bar

Mojo Lounge
3714 Peralta Blvd, Fremont, CA 94536

Kirby’s Sports Bar
42312 Fremont Blvd, Fremont, CA 94538

The Huddle
5152 Mowry Ave, Fremont, CA 94538

Best Farmers Market

Milpitas Farmers Market

Irvington Farmers Market

Best Independent Coffeehouse

Mission Coffee Roasting Company
151 Washington Blvd, Fremont, CA 94539

Bean Scene Cafe
4000 Bay St, Fremont, CA 94538

Devout Coffee
37323 Niles Blvd, Fremont, CA 94536

Best Indian

Rangoli Flavors of India
43852 Pacific Commons Blvd, Fremont, CA 94538

Chaat Bhavan
5355 Mowry Ave, Fremont, CA 94538

Biryani ‘n’ Tadka
61 Serra Way, Suite 120, Milpitas, CA 95035

Best Japanese

Sen Dai Sushi
224 N Abel St, Milpitas, CA 95035

Satomi Sushi
3655 Thornton Ave, Fremont, CA 94536
5026 Mowry Ave, Fremont CA 94538

Mioki Sushi
3924 Decoto Rd, Fremont, CA 94555

Best Mexican

La Milpa
107 N Milpitas Blvd, Milpitas, CA 95035

Casa Azteca Restaurant
20 N Abel St, Milpitas, CA 95035

Cantaritos
1530 Washington Blvd, Fremont, CA 94539

Best Taqueria

Taqueria Las Vegas
1417 N Milpitas Blvd, Milpitas, CA 95035
45401 Fremont Blvd, Fremont CA 94536

Los Dos Gallos Taqueria
50 Whitney Pl, Fremont, CA 94539

Taqueria El Mex-Cal
34169 Fremont Blvd, Fremont, CA 94555

Best Thai

Banana Leaf
182 Ranch Dr, Milpitas, CA 95035

Banh Thai Restaurant
39060 Fremont Blvd, Fremont, CA 94538

Sala Thai Restaurant
3241 Walnut Ave, Fremont, CA 94538
44800 S Grimmer Blvd, Fremont, CA 94538
47894 Warm Springs Blvd, Fremont, CA 94539

Best Wine Shop

Cork ‘n Bottle Liquors
5200 Mowry Ave, Fremont, CA 94538

Wine Globe
1641 S Main St, Milpitas, CA 95035

Family

Rob Chalhoub — Wed, 15 Dec 2021 18:30:00 +0000

Animal Rescue Group

Humane Society Silicon Valley
901 Ames Ave, Milpitas, CA 95035

13th Street Cat Rescue
13thstcats.org

Love and Second Chances
lovesecondchances.org

Best Animal Hospital

SAGE Veterinary Center
907 Dell Ave, Campbell, CA 95008

Burbank Pet Hospital
1819 W San Carlos St, San Jose, CA 95128

Whole Pet Vet Hospital and Wellness Center of Los Gatos
325 Saratoga-Los Gatos Rd, Los Gatos, CA 95030

Best Baby Gift Store

Hicklebee’s
1378 Lincoln Ave, San Jose, CA 95125

buybuy BABY
5353 Almaden Expy, Suite A100, San Jose, CA 95118

Joeys on the Go
2855 Stevens Creek Blvd, Santa Clara, CA 95050

Best Birthday Party Place

Waterworks Aquatics
Locations in San Jose and Sunnyvale

Whirlygig
919 The Alameda, San Jose, CA 95126

Duck Pond Playspace
5884 Eden Park Pl, San Jose, CA 95138

Best Children’s Clothing Store

The Kidz Shoppe
3635 Union Ave, San Jose, CA 95124

Janie & Jack
2855 Stevens Creek Blvd, Suite 1317, Santa Clara, CA 95050
180 Stanford Shopping Center, Palo Alto, CA 94304

Kool Kids Couture
2145 Lincoln Ave, San Jose, CA 95125

Best Children’s Educational Center

San Jose Children’s Discovery Museum
180 Woz Way, San Jose, CA 95110

Waterworks Aquatics
Locations in San Jose and Sunnyvale

Best Children’s Indoor Sports Center

California Sports Center
Locations in Morgan Hill and San Jose

The Plex
800 Embedded Way, San Jose, CA 95138

Waterworks Aquatics
Locations in San Jose and Sunnyvale

Best Dog Trainer

California K9 Solutions
950 S 1st St, San Jose, CA 95110

Bay Area Dog Training
P.O. Box 5567, San Jose, CA 95150

A Dog’s Life
885 Commercial St, Palo Alto, CA 94303

Best Doggie Day Care

A Pet Villa
1205 Laurelwood Rd, Santa Clara, CA 95054

Dr. Dave’s Boarding, Grooming & Daycare
1665 S Bascom Ave, Campbell, CA 95008
12840 Saratoga Sunnyvale Rd, Suite 500, Saratoga, CA 95070

California K9 Solutions
950 S 1st St, San Jose, CA 95110

Best Kennel

A Pet Villa
1205 Laurelwood Rd, Santa Clara, CA 95054

California K9 Solutions
950 S 1st St, San Jose, CA 95110

Wagly Veterinary Hospital and Pet Campus
932 Blossom Hill Rd, San Jose, CA 95123

Best Pet Boutique

Andy’s Pet Shop
429 S. Bascom Ave, San Jose, CA 95128

Gussied Up Dog Boutique
1310 Lincoln Ave, San Jose, CA 95125

Biscuits
223 Jackson St, San Jose, CA 95112

Best Pet Friendly Restaurant

Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar
19359 Stevens Creek Blvd, Cupertino, CA 95014

Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery
1875 S Bascom Ave, Suite 700, Campbell, CA 15120

Opa!
Locations in Campbell, Morgan Hill, Santa Clara and Willow Glen

Best Pet/Feed Store

An-Jan Feed & Pet Supply
1129 S De Anza Blvd, Suite 200, San Jose, CA 95129

Sam’s Downtown Feed & Pet Supply
759 W San Carlos St, San Jose, CA 95126

Andy’s Pet Shop
429 S. Bascom Ave, San Jose, CA 95128

Best Private School

Holy Spirit School
1198 Redmond Ave, San Jose, CA 95120

St. Leo the Great School
1051 W San Fernando St, San Jose, CA 95126

The Harker School
harker.org

Best Public School

Schallenberger Elementary School
1280 Koch Ln, San Jose, CA 95125

Steindorf K-8 STEAM School
3001 Ross Ave, San Jose, CA 95124

Reed Elementary School
1524 Jacob Ave, San Jose, CA 95118

Best Summer Day Camp

Hidden Villa
26870 Moody Rd, Los Altos Hills, CA 94022

Willow Glen Children’s Theatre Camp
Bramhall Park, 1320 Willow St, San Jose, CA 95125

Camp Galileo
Various locations; visit galileo-camps.com.

Best Toy Store

The Wooden Horse
796 Blossom Hill Rd, Los Gatos, CA 95032

Hicklebee’s
1378 Lincoln Ave, San Jose, CA 95125

Lakeshore Learning Store
1099 S. Bascom Ave, San Jose, CA 95128

Best Veterinary Services

Lincoln Avenue Veterinary Clinic
699 Lincoln Ave, Suite 3795, San Jose, CA 95126

VCA Animal Hospitals
Locations in Campbell, Los Gatos, Palo Alto, San Jose and San Martin

Adobe Animal Hospital
Locations in Los Altos and Los Gatos

Everyday

Rob Chalhoub — Wed, 15 Dec 2021 18:28:00 +0000

Best Art Supply Store

University Art
2550 El Camino Real, Redwood City, CA 94061

The Arsenal
208 Jackson St, San Jose, CA 95112

School of Visual Philosophy
1065 The Alameda, San Jose, CA 95126

Best Auto Dealer

Stevens Creek Toyota
4202 Stevens Creek Blvd, San Jose, CA 95129

Audi Stevens Creek
3350 Stevens Creek Blvd, San Jose, CA 95117

Toyota Sunnyvale
898 W El Camino Real, Sunnyvale, CA 94087

Best Auto Detailing

Pacific Hand Car Wash
1667 S Bascom Ave, Campbell, CA 95008
1051 E Santa Clara St, San Jose, CA 95116

Classic Car Wash
Locations in Campbell, Los Gatos and San Jose

AJ Professional Detailing
702 Coleman Ave, San Jose, CA 95110

Best Auto Repair

John’s Bascom Automotive
1305 S Bascom Ave, San Jose, CA 95128

San Jose Auto Works
599 N 4th St, San Jose, CA 95112

Akin’s Auto Repair
351 Keyes St, San Jose, CA 95112

Best Barber

Paradox Midtown
1409 W San Carlos St, San Jose, CA 95126
161 Jackson Street Suite 1, San Jose, CA 95126

The Barbers Inc.
332 E Santa Clara St, San Jose, CA 95112
2951 Monterey Rd, Suite 75, San Jose, CA

Best Bike Shop

Good Karma Bikes
460 Lincoln Ave, Suite 25, San Jose, CA 95126

Hyland Family Bicycles
1515 Meridian Ave, San Jose, CA 95125

Summit Bicycles
Locations in Los Gatos, Palo Alto, San Jose and Santa Clara

Best Body-Art Studio

Humble Beginnings
982 The Alameda, San Jose, CA 95126

Marks of Art
3014 Union Ave, Suite A, San Jose, CA 95124

State of Grace
221 Jackson St, San Jose, CA 95112

Best Bookstore-New

Recycle Bookstore
1066 The Alameda, San Jose, CA 95126
275 E Campbell Ave, Campbell, CA 95008

Hicklebee’s
1378 Lincoln Ave, San Jose, CA 95125

Books Inc.
1875 S. Bascom Ave, Suite 600, Campbell, CA 95008
317 Castro St, Mountain View, CA 94041
Town & Country Village, 855 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA 94301

Best Bookstore-Used

Recycle Bookstore
1066 The Alameda, San Jose, CA 95126
275 E Campbell Ave, Campbell, CA 95008

Friends of the Palo Alto Library
Cubberley Community Center, 4000 Middlefield Rd, Palo Alto, CA 94303

The Book-Go-Round (Friends of the Saratoga Libraries)
14410 Oak St, Saratoga, CA 95070

Best Car Wash/Detailing

Pacific Hand Car Wash
1667 S Bascom Ave, Campbell, CA 95008
1051 E Santa Clara St, San Jose, CA 95116

Classic Carwash
Locations in Campbell, Los Gatos and San Jose

Delta Queen Car Wash
981 E Hamilton Ave, Campbell, CA 95008

Best Carpeting/Flooring

Precision Flooring
550 Coleman Ave, San Jose, CA 95110

Van Briggle Floors
950 S McGlincy Ln, Campbell, CA 95008

Lambert & Sons Floor Coverings Company
695 McGlincy Ln, Campbell, CA 95008

Best Casino

Bay 101 Casino
1788 N 1st St, San Jose, CA 95112

Nugget Casino Resort
1100 Nugget Ave, Sparks, Nevada 89431

Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino
711 Lucky Ln, Coarsegold, CA 93614

Best Clothing Alterations

Blossom Hill Cleaners
15944 Los Gatos Blvd, Los Gatos, CA 95032

Riverside Cleaners
795 W Hamilton Ave, Campbell, CA 95008

Forest Tailoring
2469 Forest Ave, San Jose, CA 95128

Best Clothing Store – Men’s

Bonobos
334 Santana Row Suite 1030, San Jose, CA 95128

Hidden Hype
925 Blossom Hill Rd, Suite 1276, San Jose, CA 95123

Best Clothing Store – Women’s

BellaJames Women’s Boutique
1371 Lincoln Ave, San Jose, CA 95125

Black & Brown
751 W San Carlos St, San Jose, CA 95126

Ibiss Boutique
iloveibiss.com

Best Comics Store

Heroes Comic Book
24 E Campbell Ave, Campbell, CA 95008

Black Cat Comics
176 S Main St, Milpitas, CA 95035 (closed in September)

Illusive Comics & Game
5245 Stevens Creek Blvd, Santa Clara, CA 95051

Best Consignment Furniture

Not Too Shabby
481 S Bascom Ave, San Jose, CA 95128

Home Consignment Center
930 W Hamilton Ave, Suite 190, Campbell, CA 95008

Sutterfield Consignment Gallery
1174 Broadway, Burlingame, CA 94010

Best Credit Union

Star One Credit Union
Multiple locations

Provident Credit Union
Multiple locations

Meriwest Credit Union
Multiple locations

Best Community-Supported Agriculture

Emma Prusch Farm Regional Park
647 S King Rd, San Jose, CA 95116

Spade & Plow
PO Box 743, San Martin, CA 95046

Veggielution Community Farm
647 S King Rd, San Jose, CA 95116

Best Fabric Store

Fabrics R Us
1745 Berryessa Rd, San Jose, CA 95133

Eddie’s Quilting Bee
480 S Mathilda Ave, Sunnyvale, CA 94086

Golden State Quilting
2507 S Winchester Blvd, Campbell, CA 95008

Best Flower Shop

Citti’s Florist
990 E Hamilton Ave, Campbell, CA 95008

Apis Floral
460 Lincoln Ave, Suite 30, San Jose, California 95126

Rosies and Posies
98 Paseo de San Antonio, San Jose, CA 95113

Best Gift Shop

The Tech Interactive
201 S Market St, San Jose, CA 95113

Therapy
347 E. Campbell Ave, Campbell, CA 95008
250 Castro St, Mountain View, CA 94041

Celtic Shoppe
354 E Campbell Ave, Campbell, CA 95008

Best Golf Course

Cinnabar Hills Golf Club
23600 McKean Rd, San Jose, CA 95141

Pruneridge Golf Club
400 N Saratoga Ave, Santa Clara, CA 95050

Coyote Creek Golf Club
1 Coyote Creek Golf Dr, Morgan Hill, CA 95037

Best Grocery Store

Zanotto’s Family Market
Locations in San Jose and Sunnyvale

Lunardi’s Market
Locations in Los Gatos and San Jose

Draeger’s Market
342 1st St, Los Altos, CA 94022

Best Independent Hardware Store

Los Gatos Ace Hardware
15300 Los Gatos Blvd, Los Gatos, CA 95032

Willow Glen Ace Hardware
2253 Lincoln Ave, San Jose, CA 95125

Diridon Station Ace Hardware
787 The Alameda, Suite 40, San Jose, CA 95126

Best Insurance Agent

Mike Baxter, State Farm Insurance

John Lozon, Allstate Insurance

Tami Pratt, State Farm Insurance

Best Jewelry Repair

Joe Escobar Diamonds
450 E Hamilton Ave, Campbell, CA 95008

Master Fix Jewelers
2855 Stevens Creek Blvd, Suite 9004, Santa Clara, CA 95050

Jewels & Diamonds
642 Blossom Hill Rd, San Jose, CA 95123

Best Jewelry Store

Joe Escobar Diamonds
450 E Hamilton Ave, Campbell, CA 95008

Mann’s Jewelers
1347 Lincoln Ave, San Jose, CA 95125

J. Licht and Sons
2855 Stevens Creek Blvd, Suite 1039, Santa Clara, CA 95050

Best Kitchen/Bath Remodeler

Kupec Design and Build
2215 Sherwin Ave, Santa Clara, CA 95050

Gridley Company
122 Orchard City Dr, Campbell, CA 95008

Best Local Bank-Business

Meriwest Credit Union
Multiple locations

Citizens Equity First Credit Union
Locations in Fremont, San Jose and Santa Clara

Heritage Bank of Commerce
Multiple locations

Best Local Bank-Consumer

Meriwest Credit Union
Multiple locations

Comerica Bank
Multiple locations

First Republic Bank
Multiple locations

Best Local Festival

Mountain View Art & Wine Festival
mountainview.miramarevents.com

San Jose Jazz Summer Fest
summerfest.sanjosejazz.org

Cinequest
cinequest.org

Best Martial Arts Studio

Ernie Reyes West Coast Martial Arts
Locations in Campbell, Fremont, Milpitas, Morgan Hill, Palo Alto, San Jose and Santa Clara

Aikido of San Jose
190 Martha St, San Jose, CA 95112

American Kickboxing Academy
7012 Realm Dr, San Jose, CA 95119

Best Mortuary

Lima Family Santa Clara Mortuary
466 N Winchester Blvd, Santa Clara, CA 95050

Darling & Fischer Family Mortuary
Locations in Campbell, Los Gatos and San Jose

Cusimano Family Colonial Mortuary
96 W El Camino Real, Mountain View, CA 94040

Best Motorcycle Shop

House of Thunder Harley-Davidson
16175 Condit Rd, Morgan Hill, CA 95037

Cycle Gear
1515 Parkmoor Ave, San Jose, CA 95128

Spirit Motorcycles / Triumph San Jose
460 Meridian Ave, San Jose, CA 95126

Best Movie Theater

Pruneyard Cinemas
1875 S Bascom Ave, Suite 100, Campbell, CA 95008

Cinelux Plaza Theatre
2501 S Winchester Blvd, Campbell, CA 95008

CineLux Almaden Cafe & Lounge
2306 Almaden Rd, San Jose, CA 95125

Best Musical Instruments Store

Guitar Center
3677 Stevens Creek Blvd, Santa Clara, CA 95051

Starving Musician
3939 Stevens Creek Blvd, Santa Clara, CA 95051

Music Village
2971 Union Ave, San Jose, CA 95124
5885 Santa Teresa Blvd, San Jose, CA 95123

Best New Furniture

Rick’s Furniture
842 S 1st St, San Jose, CA 95110

NorCal Furniture
4604 Mangrum Dr, Santa Clara, CA 95054

BoConcept, Santana Row
3080 Stevens Creek Blvd, 1010 Santana Row, San Jose, CA 95128

Best Nonprofit Organization

Second Harvest Food Bank
4001 N 1st St, San Jose, CA 95134

YWCA
375 S 3rd St, San Jose, CA 95112

Billy DeFrank LGBTQ Community Center
938 The Alameda, San Jose, CA 95126

Best Optical Store

Optical Illusions
194 Hillsdale Shopping Center, San Mateo, CA 94403

SEE Eyewear
Westfield Valley Fair, 2855 Stevens Creek Blvd, Suite 1051, Santa Clara, CA 95050

Val’s Optical
5711 Cottle Rd, San Jose, CA 95123

Best Piercing Studio

Make Me Holey Body Piercing
497 S 2nd St, San Jose, CA 95113

Pierced Out
3014 Union Ave, Suite B, San Jose, CA 95124

Body Exotic
957 W San Carlos St, San Jose, CA 95126

Best Plant Nursery

SummerWinds Nursery
Locations in Campbell, Cupertino and Palo Alto

Yamagami’s Garden Center
1361 S De Anza Blvd, Cupertino, CA 95014

Almaden Valley Nursery
15800 Almaden Expy, San Jose, CA 95120

Best Plumbing Company

Conleff Plumbing Supply
2301 Lafayette St, Santa Clara, CA 95050

Pure Plumbing Solutions
408.891.0720; pureplumbingsolutionsca.com

Tom & Scott’s Plumbing
19630 Allendale Ave, Box 362, Saratoga, CA 95071

Best Print Shop

San Jose Signs
339 Piercy Rd, San Jose, CA 95138

Cal Printing
2300 Stevens Creek Blvd, San Jose, CA 95128

Best Real Estate Agency

Intero
Offices in Cupertino, Fremont, Los Altos, Los Gatos, Milpitas, Morgan Hill, San Jose, Santa Clara and Saratoga

Compass
Offices in Fremont, Los Altos, Los Gatos, Menlo Park, Morgan Hill, Palo Alto, San Jose and Saratoga

Coldwell Banker
2033 Gateway Pl, Suite 500, San Jose, CA 95110
2698 Berryessa Rd, San Jose, CA 95132

Best Resale Store

Crossroads Trading Co.
1959 W San Carlos St, San Jose, CA 95128
1008 Blossom Hill Rd, San Jose, CA 95123

Goodwill Industries
Multiple locations

Savers
4950 Almaden Expy, Suite 20, San Jose, CA 95118

Best Senior Living Facility

The Terraces of Los Gatos
800 Blossom Hill Rd, Los Gatos, CA 95032

Merrill Gardens
Locations in Campbell, Gilroy and San Jose

Atria Almaden
4610 Almaden Expy, San Jose, CA 95118

Best Shoe Repair

Cobblers Bench
60 N Winchester Blvd, Suite 1, Santa Clara, CA 95050

Willow Glen Leather & Shoe Repair
1596 Meridian Ave, San Jose, CA 95125

Almaden Shoe & Luggage Repair
6081 Meridian Ave, San Jose, CA 95120

Best Smoke Shop (Includes E-Cig/Vape/Glass)

Paramount Imports
455 Meridian Ave, San Jose, CA 95126

Monsters of Rock
461 Blossom Hill Rd, San Jose, CA 95123

Best Thrift Shop

Goodwill Industries
Multiple locations

Savers
4950 Almaden Expy, Suite 20, San Jose, CA 95118

Moon Zooom
1630 W San Carlos St, San Jose, CA 95128

Best Vintage Clothing Store

Moon Zooom
1630 W San Carlos St, San Jose, CA 95128

Black & Brown
751 W San Carlos St, San Jose, CA 95126

Second Hand Hustle
205 Jackson St, San Jose, CA 95112

Cannabis

Rob Chalhoub — Wed, 15 Dec 2021 18:15:00 +0000

Best Budtenders

Haze Dispensary
1761 Smith Ave, San Jose, CA 94577

Airfield Supply Company
1190 Coleman Ave, San Jose, CA 95110

Purple Lotus Patient Center
752 Commercial St, San Jose, CA 95112

Best Cannabis Delivery

Airfield Supply Company
1190 Coleman Ave, San Jose, CA 95110

Purple Lotus Patient Center
752 Commercial St, San Jose, CA 95112

Haze Dispensary
1761 Smith Ave, San Jose, CA 94577

Best Cannabis Menu Selection

Haze Dispensary
1761 Smith Ave, San Jose, CA 94577

Airfield Supply Company
1190 Coleman Ave, San Jose, CA 95110

Purple Lotus Patient Center
752 Commercial St, San Jose, CA 95112

Best Cannabis Pre-Order Pick Up Service

Purple Lotus Patient Center
752 Commercial St, San Jose, CA 95112

Airfield Supply Company
1190 Coleman Ave, San Jose, CA 95110

Harborside San Jose
1365 N 10th St, San Jose, CA 95112

Best CBD Selection

Caliva
1695 S 7th St, San Jose, CA 95112

Harborside San Jose
1365 N 10th St, San Jose, CA 95112

Purple Lotus Patient Center
752 Commercial St, San Jose, CA 95112

Best Discount for MMJ Cardholders

Purple Lotus
752 Commercial St, San Jose, CA 95112

Airfield Supply Company
1190 Coleman Ave, San Jose, CA 95110

Caliva
1695 S 7th St, San Jose, CA 95112

Best Dispensary

Airfield Supply Company
1190 Coleman Ave, San Jose, CA 95110

Elemental Wellness Center
985 Timothy Dr, San Jose, CA 95133

Purple Lotus Patient Center
752 Commercial St, San Jose, CA 95112

Best Dispensary Discounts

Elemental Wellness Center
985 Timothy Dr, San Jose, CA 95133

Purple Lotus Patient Center
752 Commercial St, San Jose, CA 95112

Airfield Supply Company
1190 Coleman Ave, San Jose, CA 95110

Best Edible Selection

Airfield Supply Company
1190 Coleman Ave, San Jose, CA 95110

Purple Lotus Patient Center
752 Commercial St, San Jose, CA 95112

Caliva
1695 S 7th St, San Jose, CA 95112

Best Hydroponic Store

San Jose Hydroponics
1999 Monterey Rd, #100a, San Jose, CA 95112

Ag-Gen
738 Commercial St, Suite 2 / B, San Jose, CA 95112

RASA Hydroponics & Organics
5725 Winfield Blvd, Suite 8, San Jose, CA 95123

Best Pipe Shop

Paramount Imports
455 Meridian Ave, San Jose, CA 95126

420Lifestyles
2345 Winchester Blvd, Suite E, Campbell, CA 95008

Hot Box Smoke Shop
1111 El Camino Real, #3, Santa Clara, CA 95050

Best Place to Get a Medical Cannabis Recommendation

SF Bay THC
636 E Santa Clara St, San Jose, CA 95112

RiseUpMD
RiseUpMD.com

Beauty, Health and Wellness

Rob Chalhoub — Wed, 15 Dec 2021 18:12:00 +0000

Best Acupuncturist

Bridget Puchalsky L.Ac., Breathe Together Yoga
14107 Winchester Blvd, Suite H, Los Gatos, CA 95032

A Center for Natural Healing
1817 Pruneridge Ave, Santa Clara, CA 95050

Many Lives Chinese Medicine
499 Seaport Ct, Suite 101, Redwood City, CA 94063

Best Allergist

Asthma & Allergy Associates of Santa Clara Valley
4050 Moorpark Ave, San Jose, CA 95117

Bay Area Naturopathic Medicine
2100 Curtner Ave, San Jose, CA 95124

Columbia Asthma and Allergy Clinic
80 Arch St, Redwood City, CA 94062

Best Assisted Living Facility

Belmont Village Senior Living San Jose
500 S Winchester Blvd, San Jose, CA 95128

Ivy Park at San Jose
4855 San Felipe Rd, San Jose, CA 95135

Atria Almaden
4610 Almaden Expy, San Jose, CA 95118

Best Chiropractor

Dr. Lisa Lynch, DC, Specialized Chiropractic
1585 The Alameda, San Jose, CA 95126

Dr. Harry Ho, Elite Chiropractic & Sports Clinic
1373 S Bascom Ave, San Jose, CA 95128

Dr. Brant Petersen, Positive Motion
15951 Los Gatos Blvd, Suite 3, Los Gatos, CA 95032

Best Day Spa

Burke Williams Day Spa
355 Santana Row, Suite 2010, San Jose, CA 95128

The Spa Los Gatos
100 S Santa Cruz Ave, Los Gatos, CA 95030

Watercourse Way
165 Channing Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94301

Best Dentist

Willow Glen Dentistry
1245 Lincoln Ave, Suite 150, San Jose, CA 95125

Japantown Dental
90 E Taylor St, San Jose, CA 95112

iSmile
Locations in Palo Alto, San Jose and Sunnyvale

Best Dermatologist

Dr. Bruce M. Saal, MD, Los Gatos Dermatology
777 Knowles Dr, Los Gatos, CA 95032

Michelle Quinn, MS NP-C, California Skin Institute
525 South Dr, Suite 115, Mountain View, CA 94040

Kristine Ahern, MD, Sutter Health
401 Old San Francisco Rd, Level 2, Sunnyvale, CA 94086

Best Eyelash Extensions/Brow Enhancements

Kiss & Makeup
130 N Santa Cruz Ave, Suite M, Los Gatos, CA 95030 / 1165 Lincoln Ave, Suite 125, San Jose, CA 95125

CA Lash and Esthetics
621 E Campbell Ave, Suite 18, Campbell, CA 95008

Bronzed Humanity
1029 Blossom Hill Rd, Suite 4, San Jose, CA 95123

Best Hair Salon-San Jose/South County

Oz, a Salon Inc.
1355 Lincoln Ave, San Jose, CA 95125

Gypsy Rose Salon
1230 The Alameda, San Jose, CA 95126

Bigsby House
1377 Lincoln Ave, San Jose, CA 95125

Best Hair Salon-West Valley

Rage Salon
565 E Campbell Ave, Campbell, CA 95008

The Studio Los Gatos
130 W Main St, Los Gatos, CA 95030

Station X @ Faux
378 E Campbell Ave, Campbell, CA 95008

Best Hair Salon-Central Silicon Valley

Z Salon
3977 Stevens Creek Blvd, Santa Clara, CA 95051

Sassy Hair Salon
19655 Stevens Creek Blvd, Cupertino, CA 95014

Parlour 17
10095 Saich Way, Suite 2, Cupertino, CA 95014

Best Hair Salon-Peninsula

LaBelle Day Spa
Locations in Palo Alto

La Migliore Salon
644 Santa Cruz Ave, Menlo Park, CA 94025

Best Hair Salon-Fremont and Milpitas

Maggie’s Beauty Max
430 S Main St, Milpitas, CA 95035

Vintage Styles Salon
41200 Blacow Rd, Suite B, Fremont, CA 94538

Ma Belle Hair Salon
43625 Mission Blvd, Suite 107, Fremont, CA 94539

Best Lasik Eye Surgery

Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley
606 Saratoga Ave, San Jose, CA 95129

Dr Craig S. Bindi, M.D., Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley
606 Saratoga Ave, San Jose, CA 95129

Martin L. Fishman, M.D. MPA, Spectrum Eye Physicians
431 Monterey Ave, Suite 3, Los Gatos, CA 95030

Best Local Hospital

Kaiser Permanente

Stanford Hospital

Good Samaritan Hospital

Best Massage Services

Burke Williams Day Spa
355 Santana Row, Suite 2010, San Jose, CA 95128

The Spa Los Gatos
100 S Santa Cruz Ave, Los Gatos, CA 95030

Lucky Foot
461 Saratoga Ave, San Jose, CA 95129

Best Nail Services

Tip N’ Toe Salon
1795 Hillsdale Ave, Suite 50, San Jose, CA 95124

Blossom Nail Spa
1875 S Bascom Ave, Suite 138, Campbell, CA 95008 / 1122 Branham Ln, San Jose, CA 95118

Lavande Nail Spa
355 Santana Row, Suite 1020, San Jose CA 95128

Best OB-Gyn

Dr. Suzane Bovone, Obstetrix and Gynecology of San Jose
900 E Hamilton Ave, Suite 220, Campbell, CA 95008

Dr. Martin Silverman, Los Olivos Medical Group
15151 National Ave, Los Gatos, CA 95032

Dr. Charlene Reimnitz, Los Olivos Medical Group
15195 National Ave, Suite 207, Los Gatos, CA 95032

Best Ophthalmologist

Los Gatos Eye Care
15563 Union Ave, Los Gatos, CA 95032

Spectrum Eye Physicians
Locations in Cupertino, Los Gatos and San Jose

Eye Medical Clinic
220 Meridian Ave, San Jose, CA 95126

Best Personal Trainer

Move with Rubi
movewithrubi.com

Giselle Macchi, Daily Nourish LLC
mydailynourish.com

John Rhodes Personal Training
johnrhodespersonaltraining.com

Best Pilates Studio

Los Gatos Ballet & Pilates
630 University Ave, Los Gatos, CA 95032

Urban Body
1413 The Alameda, San Jose, CA 95126

Pilates V
Locations in Campbell, Palo Alto, Sunnyvale and Willow Glen

Best Plastic Surgeon

Dr. Laurence Berkowitz
3803 S Bascom Ave, Suite 100, Campbell, CA 95008

Dr. Daryl K. Hoffman
805 El Camino Real, Suite A, Palo Alto, CA 94301 / 3425 S Bascom Ave, Suite 100, Campbell, CA 95008

Dr. Craig Creasman
2400 Samaritan Dr, Suite 206, San Jose, CA 95124

Best Skin Care Spa

Burke Williams Day Spa
355 Santana Row, Suite 2010, San Jose, CA 95128

Rejuvenis Skin Care
7176 Santa Teresa Blvd, Suite B7, San Jose, CA 95139

Best Urgent Care Center

El Camino Health Urgent Care
1150 W El Camino Real, Mountain View, CA 94040

Sutter Urgent Care
Locations in Los Gatos, Mountain View and Palo Alto

Dignity Health GoHealth Urgent Care
830 Jefferson Ave, Redwood City, CA 94063

Best Waxing Studio

Cristina’s Esthetics
6110 Camino Verde Dr, Suite 8, San Jose, CA 95119

Sugar and Blade
917 E Arques Ave, Suite 5, Sunnyvale, CA 94085

Everything for Skin
2065 Winchester Blvd, Campbell, CA 95008

Best Yoga Studio

Breathe Together Yoga
14107 Winchester Blvd, Suite H, Los Gatos, CA 95032

CorePower Yoga
Locations in Palo Alto, Santa Clara and San Jose

Bikram Yoga
Locations in Milpitas, San Jose and Santa Clara

Arts & Culture

Rob Chalhoub — Wed, 15 Dec 2021 18:04:00 +0000

Best Art Gallery

San Jose Museum of Art
110 S Market St, San Jose

San Jose Museum of Quilts and Textiles
520 S 1st St, San Jose, CA 95113

MACLA
510 S 1st St, San Jose, CA 95113

Best Ballet Company

San Jose Ballet School
157 N 4th St, San Jose, CA 95112

San Jose Dance Theatre
1756 Junction Ave, Suite E, San Jose, CA 95112

Academy of American Ballet
2555 Middlefield Rd, Redwood City, CA 94061

Best Ballet School

New Ballet
196 N 3rd St, San Jose, CA 95112

San Jose Dance Theatre
1756 Junction Ave, Suite E, San Jose, CA 95112

Los Gatos Ballet
630 University Ave, Los Gatos, CA 95032

Best Comedy Night

San Jose Improv
62 S 2nd St, San Jose, CA 95113

Rooster T. Feathers Comedy Club
157 W El Camino Real, Sunnyvale, CA 94087

ComedySportz
288 S 2nd St, San Jose, CA 95113

Best Cover Band

Joe Sharino Band
jsband.com

Dead Man’s Party
deadmansparty.com

Spazmatics
facebook.com/spazmaticsrock

Best Dance Club

The Ritz
400 S 1st St, San Jose, CA 95113

Splash
65 Post St, San Jose, CA 95113

Number 1 Broadway
102 S Santa Cruz Ave, #B, Los Gatos, CA 95030

Best Dance Company

New Ballet
196 N 3rd St, San Jose, CA 95112

San Jose Dance Theatre
1756 Junction Ave Suite E, San Jose, 95112

Dance Company of Los Gatos
540 N Santa Cruz Ave, Los Gatos, CA 95030

Best Dance Instructor

Katerina Beckman

Claire Alexander

Erika Vetter

Best Dance Studio

New Ballet
196 N 3rd St, San Jose, CA 95112

South Bay Musical Theatre eStudio
13777 Fruitvale Ave, Saratoga, CA 95070

Academy of American Ballet
2555 Middlefield Rd, Redwood City, CA 94061

Best Jazz/Blues Club

Poor House Bistro
91 N Autumn St, San Jose, CA 95110

SJZ Break Room
310 S 1st St, San Jose, CA 95113

Best Karaoke

7 Bamboo Lounge
162 Jackson St, San Jose, CA 95112

The Caravan Lounge
98 Almaden Ave, San Jose, CA 95113

Britannia Arms
5027 Almaden Expy, San Jose, CA 95118

Best Large Music Venue

Mountain Winery
14831 Pierce Rd, Saratoga, CA 95070

Shoreline Amphitheatre
One Amphitheatre Pkwy, Mountain View, CA 94043

SAP Center
525 W Santa Clara St, San Jose, CA 95113

Best Latin Music Club

Club Rodeo
610 Coleman Ave, San Jose, CA 95110

Miami Beach Club
417 S 1st St, San Jose, CA 95113

Best Local Band

The Odd Numbers
theoddnumberssj.com

Peach Tree Rascals
ptrmusic.co

Nineteen Jazz Orchestra
nineteen jazz.com

Best Media Personality: TV, Radio, Print

Frank Somerville

Raj Mathai

Sal Pizarro

Best Museum

The Tech Interactive
201 S Market St, San Jose, CA 95113

Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum
1660 Park Ave, San Jose, CA 95191

Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose
180 Woz Way, San Jose, CA 95110

Best Music Festival

San Jose Jazz
sanjosejazz.org

SoFA Music Festival
sofamusicfestival.com

Best Outdoor Art Event

SoFA Street Fair
sofamusicfestival.com

Montalvo Arts Center
15400 Montalvo Rd, Saratoga, CA 95071

Jazz on the Plazz
jazzontheplazz.com

Best Outdoor Music Venue

Mountain Winery
14831 Pierce Rd, Saratoga, CA 95070

Shoreline Amphitheatre
One Amphitheatre Pkwy, Mountain View, CA 94043

Plaza de Cesar Chavez

Best Performing Arts Center

Center for the Performing Arts
255 S Almaden Blvd, San Jose, CA 95113

San Jose Stage Company
490 S 1st St, San Jose, CA 95113

Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts
500 Castro St, Mountain View, CA 94041

Best Performing Dance Company

San Jose Ballet School
157 N 4th St, San Jose, CA 95112

San Jose Dance Theatre
1756 Junction Ave, Suite E, San Jose, CA 95112

sjDANCEco
7283 Coronado Dr, San Jose, CA 95129

Best Record/CD Store

Streetlight Records
980 S Bascom Ave, San Jose, CA 95128

Rasputin Music
1820 S Bascom Ave, Campbell, CA 95008

Needle to the Groove
424 E Santa Clara St, San Jose, CA 95113

Best Small Music Venue

The Ritz
400 S 1st St, San Jose, CA 95113

Poor House Bistro
91 N Autumn St, San Jose, CA 95110

The Caravan Lounge
98 Almaden Ave, San Jose, CA 95113

Best Small Theater Company

San Jose Stage Company
490 S 1st St, San Jose, CA 95113

City Lights Theater Company
529 S 2nd St, San Jose, CA 95112

South Bay Musical Theatre
13777 Fruitvale Ave, Saratoga, CA 95070

Best Small/Quirky Museum

Winchester Mystery House
525 S Winchester Blvd, San Jose, CA 95128

Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum
1660 Park Ave, San Jose, CA 95191

San Jose Museum of Quilts and Textiles
520 S 1st St, San Jose, CA 95113

Best Theater Company

San Jose Stage Company
490 S 1st St, San Jose, CA 95113

Broadway San Jose
Events held at Center for the Performing Arts, 255 Almaden Blvd, San Jose, CA 95113

South Bay Musical Theatre
13777 Fruitvale Ave, Saratoga, CA 95070

Best Theater Troupe Performance

San Jose Stage Company
490 S 1st St, San Jose, CA 95113

TheatreWorks Silicon Valley
theatreworks.org

Opera San Jose
sofamusicfestival.com

Best Virtual Festival

Campbell Oktoberfest
campbelloktoberfest.com

Punk Rock Pandemic Bingo & Booze San Jose
facebook.com/punkrockpandemicbingo

SoFA Music Festival
sofamusicfestival.com

Best Virtual Film Festival

Cinequest
cinequest.org

Silicon Valley Asian Pacific FilmFest
svapfilmfest.org

Silicon Valley Jewish Film Festival
svjff.org

Best Virtual LGBTQ Event

Silicon Valley Pride Festival
svpride.com

Frameline
frameline.org

Best Virtual Symphony

California Symphony
californiasymphony.org

San José Chamber Orchestra
sjco.org

Editor’s Picks

Rob Chalhoub — Wed, 15 Dec 2021 08:02:00 +0000

ARTS & CULTURE

Best Culture Complex

History San Jose
635 Phelan Ave., San Jose 408.287.2290
Blink too fast and you may think you’ve traveled back to a different time and place. But at History San Jose, that’s the point. Hidden behind Happy Hollow Zoo and Kelley Park’s disc golf course, the city’s past comes to life through restored trolleys, light towers and 32 preserved Victorian-style town homes displaying the histories of Portuguese, Chinese, Vietnamese and LGBTQ residents in the South Bay for visitors exploring the 14-acre park. And alongside offering a great place to stroll, History San Jose is also host to a holiday light show in the park, further illuminating the range of diverse histories on display. -Katie Lauer

Best Band Aid From a Barcade

LVL Up
thelvlup.com
408.429.8472
In pandemic-era San Jose, few venues rose to the occasion more than LVL Up, the humble little barcade located in the old Bo Town Seafood on Second and San Salvador. With a capacious outdoor stage and a wide variety of programming that has included local up-and-comers, hardcore heroes, Bay hip-hop heavyweights and just about everything in between, LVL Up was a vital lifeline to live music in the South Bay these past few years before it closed for construction, its future uncertain. While the LVL Up team has since collaborated with Uproar Brewing for the equally entertaining LVL Uproar, the original San Jose LVL Up made an outsize contribution to the city’s culture in its time here. -Mike Huguenor

Best Place to Geek Out

Photo by Erik Chalhoub

Caldwell’s Comics & Cards
7483 Monterey Rd, Gilroy
408.767.2086
The posters of superheroes and action movie stars that line the front windows at Caldwell’s Comics & Cards hint at the fantastical worlds inside. Caldwell opened his eponymous store in downtown Gilroy earlier this year, and has gained a strong following of regular customers. Once inside, they are immediately greeted by a colorful wall plastered top to bottom, front to back, with the latest new comic book releases. Even more interesting are the older comic books, including some real treasures. Caldwell also has an impressive collection of sports, Pokemon and other collectible cards in the reserves. -Erik Chalhoub

Best Black-and-White Argument

In Defense of Ska
ClashBooks.com
For years, the simple sight of a checkerboard pattern could send hipsters into a rage about ska music, but the tide has finally turned, and the peppy genre (and reggae precursor) has officially become cool again. Thanks in no small part to Metro contributor Aaron Carnes’s entertaining In Defense of Ska, published this May, the ska revival is currently booming, and much of the genre’s history and histrionics can be found in this book. From tales of Two-Tone heroes to oral histories of underappreciated American third wavers, In Defense of Ska is a thorough (and thoroughly enjoyable) take on this eternal genre. Pick it up, pick it up, pick it up. -Mike Huguenor

Best Music Scene

The 408
For far too long, San Jose’s music has flown under the radar, but in 2021 the entire world tuned in to the sound of San Jose hardcore. Gulch and Drain both sold out shows all around the country, Spy set a new standard for grimy genre aesthetics and Scowl (who also rep Santa Cruz) landed on the cover of Kerrang! magazine. Put them all together with SJHC icons like Maya and Sunami and you get “RBS,” the DIY hardcore show from June that attracted more than 2,000 fans to a parking lot in industrial SJ. Brutal, unpredictable and blisteringly fast, San Jose hardcore is currently unmatched around the globe for its energy, spirit and creativity. Long live the 408. -Mike Huguenor

BEAUTY, HEALTH & WELLNESS

Best ‘Do for a New You

Photo by Greg Ramar

Kelly the Barber
1082 Lincoln Ave, #6, San Jose
650.995.6150
Getting a haircut, beard trim or shave doesn’t have to be a nerve-racking endeavor, but that isn’t always the case when a new style may not fit the “norm.” That’s where Kelly the Barber comes in. He is a licensed cosmetologist and barber who specializes in gender-affirming, trans-inclusive and LGBTQIA+ positive appointments. Want to chop your locks? Figuring out beard care for the first time? Need a confidence boost to pull the trigger on hot pink hair dye? Kelly’s single-seat studio in Willow Glen offers a private space for clients to feel comfortable asking questions and trying new things. -Katie Lauer

Best Curated Skincare Collection

Redemption
241 E Campbell Ave, Suite A, Campbell
408.628.4877
A focus on California-grown goods alone is reason enough to praise Redemption and its array of apparel, gift-worthy household goods and artwork. Even more noteworthy is the store’s selection of body care products, sourced from small producers working in the Golden State. Redemption (which also has outlets in Los Gatos and Santa Cruz) is a triumph of curation, with a staff that looks forward to fostering a pleasurable in-store experience. In addition to supporting local brands, Redemption also looks for products with sustainable packaging and organic ingredients. Standout brands include ocean-inspired products from Osea (skin) and Byrd (hair), Salt & Stone’s natural deodorants, CBD-enhanced body oils from Cordial Organics and a good assortment of balms and soaps from Three Sisters Apothecary—including shampoo bars for pooches. And don’t miss By Nieves’ Cloud of Protection. Packaged in glass, this nontoxic room freshener has an old-timey label that promises “defense against illness, bad vibes & stinkiness.” -Sharan Street

EVERYDAY

Best Desert Island

Arizona Cactus Garden
415 Broadway, Stanford
650.723.7459
Do you ever get the urge to be one with the desert? To feel like you’re in Palm Springs, but within a 30-minute drive’s reach? Encounter the prickly botanical views of the southwestern United States at the Arizona Garden on Stanford University’s campus, featuring a collection of approximately 500 native and exotic cacti and succulents in 58 beds, alongside aloe and jade plants. This intricate landscape was crafted by noted 19th-century landscape gardener and architect Rudolph Ulrich, initially intended to be a feature of Leland and Jane Stanford’s mansion. Now free and open to the public (aside from occasional parking fees), this hidden alcove of walkable paths provides a perfect destination for dates, photo shoots and casual excursions. -Katie Lauer

Best Two-Wheeled Conveyance

Vintage Electric Bikes
1725 De La Cruz Blvd, Suite 4, Santa Clara
408.969.0836
A Vintage electric bicycle first captures your attention because it looks so cool. Designed to resemble board-track motorcycles from the 1920s, these E-bikes from a Santa Clara company headed by a Los Gatos High School alum are the coolest looking two-wheelers on the road. Get in the saddle and the good looks become a secondary feature. Thanks to their big batteries (which kinda resemble an engine), these bikes fly—they’re the fastest electric bicycles manufactured in the United States. Pump the pedals as you would on a moderate Saturday cruise and you will feel the hair lifted off the back of your neck and your breath taken away. They’re a little spendy, but if you care about style or speed you may find these bikes priceless. -Eric Johnson

Best Retail Experience for Early Adopters

b8ta
333 Santana Row, San Jose
375 University Ave, Palo Alto
b8ta.com
Everyone takes automobiles out for a test drive. Why not apply that practice to other big-ticket consumer goods? At b8ta, a “retail as a service” company that debuted in Palo Alto in 2015, curious consumers can examine motorized skateboards, video surveillance cameras, wall video systems, drones, digital cameras and other high-tech gadgets. Stop by the store to browse, or make an appointment with one of the “b8ta testers” for a more in-depth experience. Too busy to shop in person? Ask questions online about a particular item or get product recommendations. The company’s website and social media have video demonstrations that recently featured such items as an easy-to-push stroller wagon that seats four kids, rechargeable hearing aids, an ultra-slim 360-degree camera and a tooth-brushing robot. -Sharan Street

Best Two-Fisted Entertainment

Guildhouse
420 S. First St., San Jose
The Guildhouse isn’t an arcade, a bar or a computer lab. Rather, this gamer lounge is an immaculate combination of the three, offering a communal place for video game enthusiasts to gather and battle. Folks who prefer to watch the action are also welcome to grab a seat in the massive 18,000-foot space filled with PCs, video consoles and board games. Paired with a craft beer and cocktail bar, the Guildhouse draws quite a buzz, especially during popular weekly Smash Ultimate 1v1 tournaments. And the menu of comfort foods-notably their gourmet pizza, chicken and brisket flavored hot pockets-is perfect for snacking with one hand, controller in the other. -Katie Lauer

FAMILY

Best Place to Find Cool Toys for Cool Kids

Photo by Greg Ramar

Automobuild
100 N Santa Cruz Ave, Suite B, Los Gatos
408.402.3818
Will anything good come out of the culture wars? Probably not, but at the very least, maybe we’ll learn to stop making assumptions about what kinds of toys boys and girls will-or even worse, should-like. Personally, my daughter never had any use for doll shops; she always felt more at home at Automobuild, which is focused on cars and trucks and things that go. (Although they honestly have quite a range of toys, and more than once we went in for a car toy and came out with two car toys and a cute stuffie.) As they age up, there’s no end of games, science kits… and track. So much track that after a while you may say to yourself, “Am I raising a NASCAR driver or a city planner? ‘Cause it’s definitely one of the two.” -Steve Palopoli

Best Place for an Unusual First Date

Legoland Discovery Center Bay Area
870 Great Mall Dr, Milpitas
669.213.0612
All in all, it’s more than just some bricks at the mall. Here is the Northern California HQ for all things Lego, including a Lego synecdoche of the entire Bay Area laid out for study. For those who like to build unfeasibly high with Legos, there’s an earthquake table to torture-test the toy skyscrapers. This attraction is mostly about interactivity, but it also includes spectacle: a 4D theater with practical effects that include snow and wind. There’s a ninja fortress and a pirate ship, and a race track for cars that little makers build on the spot. What’s not as well known is the fact that Legoloand occasionally schedules adults-only nights-perfect for those who want to do some serious Lego building with a new friend, without children shattering their concentration. -Richard von Busack

FOOD & DRINK

Best Place to Say Graze

Photo by Greg Ramar

State Street Market
170 State St, Los Altos
Foodies who have gazed enviously up San Francisco’s Ferry Building can now find a place to graze closer to home thanks to Anne Wojcicki, cofounder and CEO of 23andMe. The billionaire entrepreneur is a principal of Los Altos Community Investment, which has turned a former Purity Stores site into the State Street Market, a collection of eateries that will appeal to that hunter-gatherer DNA. Choice is at the heart of the State Street experience. Sample flatbread from Banks & Braes or cheese and charcuterie from Murdoch’s while adding a salad from Grains & Greens, and top it off with dessert from Tin Pot Creamery. Want a drink with that? Grab a beer, order wine by the glass or carafe, or sip on cocktails-including non-alcoholic options. The dining experience can be customized as well: chow down in the outdoor seating areas, take it to go, or get it delivered. Coming soonish: El Alto, to be helmed by acclaimed chef Traci Des Jardins, and a Teaching Kitchen, which will feature workshops, demonstrations and chef’s dinners. -Sharan Street

Best Karaoke With a Side of Home Fries

Effie’s Restaurant and Bar
331 Hacienda Ave., Campbell
408.374.3400
Effie’s Restaurant and Bar has kept Campbell locals and out-of-towners fed and entertained for more than three decades. Despite a remodel, the Winchester Boulevard space still offers an old-fashioned mom-and-pop feel-down to the bar booths and adjacent dining room with 1960s and 1970s era decor. The extensive all-day breakfast, lunch and dinner menus offer up cuisine as American as it comes: a variety of omelets, eggs Benedict, skillets, sandwiches, burgers, home fries, country chicken fried steak and prime rib. Oh, and be on the lookout for Bill, who helps bring the house down six nights a week during karaoke at Effie’s. -Katie Lauer

Best Two-Wheeled Deal

Park Station Hashery
1701 Park Ave, San Jose
At the busy intersection of Park and Naglee avenues, it’s easy to miss this eatery with a cozy neighborhood feel that serves creative bites and pick-me-up drinks in San Jose’s Rose Garden. Park Station Hashery satisfies cravings around the clock, from breakfast staples like huevos rancheros and salmon scramble to dinner classics as simple as a double-decker turkey club with fries and homemade ketchup or all-out meals of pork ribs, braised lamb and orecchiette pasta. The large selection of colorful craft beers and ciders satisfies any taste preferences-and to top it off, any bike riders who trek down on Tuesdays get a 2-for-1 draft deal for using their wheels. -Katie Lauer

Best Foodie Find to Impress Your New York Friends

Xiaoman Rice Burrito
1614 Pomeroy Ave, Santa Clara, CA 95051
510.213.1765
There are only two ways to deal with friends visiting Silicon Valley from NYC. You know the ones I’m talking about-the kind who respond to everything you try to show them that’s great in the South Bay with “Oh, yeah, we have that in New York… only better.” The first way is to not make friends with anyone who lives in New York. (J/k, Summer and Graham, this is definitely not about you!) The second way is to take them to the kind of places that will both blow their minds and play off their secretly deep and vast insecurities about living in New York. I’d recommend Xiaoman Rice Burrito, known to locals as “the Taiwanese breakfast burrito place.” (I don’t know why we call it that, since the burritos are really for any time of day.) First of all, it shows off one of the things I love about living in San Jose, which is that the best food adventures you can have are often at hidden-away, hole-in-the-wall locales, as if they were some kind of treasure waiting to be discovered. (Seriously, Xiaoman is both hidden away in an alley, and a literal hole in the wall-there’s no dine-in, there’s just an open door where you pick up your bag of burritos, usually with an entire fleet of identical bags lined up behind it, waiting to be picked up.) They’re called rice burritos because the “tortilla” is made of sticky sushi rice, and they’re filled with soy-sauce-braised egg, pickled radish and more. “Original” has pork floss, “crunchy” is vegetarian with crispy onion, nori and soybean. Those New York friends will be wowed, and their extra dose of humility at knowing there is now a whole new category of Mexican food for their city to underwhelm in should shut them up for a while. -Steve Palopoli

Best Luxe Asian Trip

iChina
2855 Stevens Creek Blvd, Santa Clara
408.352.5405
The restaurant iChina, which opened in August at the Westfield Valley Fair, is redefining Chinese cuisine for folks with a sophisticated palate. Executive Chef Eddie Lam, formerly of Straits in San Jose and Crystal Jade in SF, prepares spicy Sichuan and more delicate Guangdong flavors with a contemporary California twist. Equal attention has been directed toward the interior design in this opulent two-story space, where even the bathrooms are blinged out. Diners can eat in the main dining room, at the JiuBa Bar, or in the four private dining rooms that can accommodate parties of 12. Those with deep pockets can book the 360 Virtual Reality room, where eight projectors and a sensor-enabled table create a VR dining experience. -Eric Johnson

Best Courtyard

Sourdough Eatery
848 N 1st St, San Jose
408.295.7709
Even though it’s been around for nearly 50 years, the Sourdough Eatery doesn’t attract a lot of attention. Located across the street from the County Government Center-a looming, rust-covered skyscraper where the destiny of the 1,300-square-mile Santa Clara County is determined- it’s only open 15 hours during the work week. Barbara Lenhart, a painter, Hollywood model and former Parisian showgirl, displays some of her art and memorabilia around the lobby. This gracious lady rings up the dozen-odd sandwiches served on fresh-baked sourdough (cash only). But the real beauty of the place is in the back, a huge brick-paved plaza with fountains, bric-a-brac, cast-iron tables and very old trees. Stopping by here is a trip from the maddening San Jose of today to the peaceful place it once was. -Richard von Busack

Best Spot to Appreciate Tomato Season

Terra Amico Farms
680 California Ave, San Martin
408.209.7667
Joe and Lisa Raineri own five acres in San Martin, the majority of which is covered in tomato plants of many varieties. Quite a few make their way onto local restaurant tables and into local food products; others can be procured at Terra Amico’s seasonal farmstand. The property is filled with 2,000 heirloom tomato plants, totaling 60 varieties, as well as zucchini, artichoke, basil, pepper and other plants that make up the edible landscaping. (Fun tidbits: Both Abe Lincoln and Paul Robeson have tomato plants named after them. And Brad’s Atomic Grape are quite possibly the most visually striking tomatoes the world has ever seen.) During the warm months, Terra Amico also offers a series of farm-to-table dinners and cooking demos. To sign up for event updates, visit terraamicofarms.com. -Erik Chalhoub

Best Place for an Oil Change

Photo by Greg Ramar

The Olive Bar
232 E Campbell Ave, Campbell
408.370.1901
Since 2007, this single-minded shop has attracted chefs with its collection of 100% extra virgin olive oils from Mediterranean climates around the world-including our own state. Cooks can sample oils before they buy, choosing from more than a dozen flavors. And there are twice as many balsamic vinegars to select from-many of which would add a nice edge to a sparkling cocktail. (Speaking of cocktails, check out the gin olives, vermouth olives or spicy cocktail sticks-skewers of pearl onions, olives, chili peppers and gherkins.) Throw in some stuffed olives, wild porcini sea salt, truffle-infused hot sauce and a jar of fig jam to create a foodie’s dream gift basket -Sharan Street

RECREATION

Best Place to Roll In and Out of a Big Weekend

Photo by Greg Ramar

Mountain Bike Camping at Henry W. Coe State Park
9000 E Dunne Ave, Morgan Hill
408.779.2728
It may be a surprise that the largest of California’s state parks sits at the southern edge of Silicon Valley. Henry Coe, which stretches from Morgan Hill to Pacheco Pass, encompasses 80,000 acres with more than 250 miles of trails and old ranch roads. Studded with thousands of massive California live oaks, the park features many trails open to mountain bikers and many remote campsites. For those who enjoy strapping a tent, sleeping bag, camp stove and gourmet comestibles onto the back of an MTB and spending a weekend in the wilderness, Henry Coe is, in fact, one of the best places in the state to rock it. -Eric Johnson

Best Place to Travel Back in Time for a Good View of the Future

Alum Rock Park
15350 Penitencia Creek Rd, San Jose
408.259.5477
The oldest municipal park in California is still one of the coolest. Bring the family for a camping trip or a barbecue picnic in the woods. Walk along Penitencia Creek and witness some of the gnarliest oak and bay groves you’ll ever see, as well as historic mining infrastructure that dates back to the 1800s. Take a short hike up the South Rim Trail and experience a spectacular view of the capital of Silicon Valley’s growing skyline and the San Francisco Bay. This is California as it once was, and, thanks to the City of San Jose Parks Department, still is. -Eric Johnson

The Short List

Rob Chalhoub — Wed, 15 Dec 2021 08:01:00 +0000

This is where we mine our personal list of amazing vendors and favorite places to make some well-deserved recommendations.

Best New Restaurant – Peninsula

Selby’s

3001 El Camino Real, Atherton
This new classy New American establishment snagged a Michelin star on its first go-around, but just to make sure they didn’t let it get to their heads, we dragged a toddler along, left a stuffed animal behind and asked the valet to gas up the car. Score: 100%

METRO Best Of Silicon Valley 2021-Epernay draws upon a venerated culinary tradition without a trace of stuffiness

Best New Restaurant – Los Gatos

Epernay

29 E Main St, Los Gatos
A classic French dining spot with post-millennial updates and a deep champagne cellar opened in 2021 and quickly snagged a coveted Wine Spectator award. It draws upon a venerated culinary tradition without a trace of stuffiness.

Best New Restaurant – Campbell

BE.STÉAK.Ă

1887 S Bascom Ave, Campbell
Jeffrey Stout’s ambitious, long-awaited tour de force opened in the Pruneyard earlier this year and has quickly established itself in the top tier of the region’s dining establishments.

Best Century-Old Whiskey Bar

The Milius

7397 Monterey Rd, Gilroy
In Silicon Valley, it’s hard to find anything that’s survived a decade, no less a century. This old school establishment will celebrate its 100th anniversary next summer and retains warmth and friendliness, without pretension, with a smartly curated selection of hard-to-find American and imported whiskeys alongside a lunch and dinner menu.

Best Welder/Metal Fabricator

Yes Welding

183 Ryland St, Unit C, San Jose
We’ve thrown challenges at them: a waterfall metal slab desk floating on an old timber beam, a mobile cart to roll up fake grass for events, a welded steel storefront and other things you’ll never need. Each time, Juan Alva’s team has come through famously.

Best Window Washer

R & R Window Cleaning

(831) 588-4243
Sometimes we like to keep this kind of stuff secret, because we don’t want to have to wait in line. But nah. Randy Sauro deserves the props, and he’s a hard-working rock & roll musician to boot.

Best Mobile Dog Groomer

WE LOVE DOGS! MOBILE PET GROOMMING

in**@********gs.pet
The mobile revolution has come to other species, who can now enjoy a blow dry, brush-out and nail treatment without straying far from the yard. It’s convenient for their human companions as well, thanks to Amanda and Arnie, who bring spa services to owners’ doorsteps and accommodate special requests. A feather to go with the new hairstyle? No problem.